sE Electronics VR1 Voodoo Passive Ribbon Microphone

sE Electronics VR1 Voodoo Passive Ribbon Microphone, New, Shock Mount

sE Electronics VR1 Voodoo Passive Ribbon Microphone, New, VR1 In Shock Mount

zZounds Gear Experts Say...

Like the sE RNR1, the VR1 microphone captures detailed recordings with extended highs. It's not black magic -- it's sE Electronics' Voodoo ribbon technology.

Overview

The Voodoo ribbon microphones from sE mark a milestone era for ribbon mic technology. Until the Voodoo Series, the only ribbon mic in the world to perform across 20Hz-20kHz was sE's Rupert Neve collaboration, the RNR1. This was achieved using state-of-the-art custom transformers and a Rupert Neve-designed circuit to reveal HF usually absent.

With the Voodoo mics, full frequency response is achieved using a clever mechanical device designed by Siwei Zou, the company CEO, and a hand-tensioned ribbon constructed by highly specialized technicians in sE's capsule room. The result is a superbly detailed, open and natural recording of acoustic instruments and guitar cabs. The Voodoo's ability to perform -- coupled with its unique look -- have already made it a secret weapon for thousands of players worldwide.

What's in the box?

- VR1 microphone
- microphone stand clip
- thread adapter
- wooden case
- shockmount

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.p65Warnings.ca.gov.

Specs

- Electronics: Passive
- Generating Element: Hand-tensioned 2.5um aluminum ribbon
- Directional Pattern: Figure-8
- Frequency range: 20 Hz - 18 kHz
- Impedance: 300 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 1.78 mV/Pa (-55 dB)
- Max SPL: 135 dB (0.5% THD @ 1kHz)
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 75 dB
- Self Noise: 19 dB(A)
- Matching Connectors: XLR3F
- Power requirement: N/A (phantom-protected)
- Weight: 230g / 8.11oz

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Base Item: Shipping Weight: 2 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 14 x 5 x 4 in; Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): VR1U

Things To Know

sE Electronics VR1 Voodoo Passive Ribbon Microphone

Updated April 3, 2025 08:17 by Nick Wedyke

Hey, it's Nick from zZounds with some things to know about the sE Electronics VR1.

This is a passive ribbon mic with a hand-tensioned 2.5-micrometer aluminum ribbon. One standout feature is its phantom power protection—though it’s never recommended to use phantom power with ribbon mics, this one is designed to withstand accidental activation. So, if your interface has phantom power on when this mic is plugged in, you won’t destroy it. That said, it’s still best to avoid engaging phantom power with any ribbon mic.

The VR1 was designed in collaboration with Rupert Neve Designs and delivers an impressive 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response—an incredible range for a ribbon mic. You’ll get deep, rich lows and shimmering highs, making this a true studio secret weapon. It excels on drums, guitars, and even vocals, offering a smooth, natural sound.

Included with the mic is a wooden storage box for safekeeping, a shock mount, an additional mount, an adapter, and a protective pouch. It has a figure-8 polar pattern, making it perfect for overhead drum miking, room mics, and even capturing the natural resonance of a piano. Plus, with a maximum SPL of 135 dB, it can handle loud sources with ease.

This is the sE Electronics VR1 Voodoo Passive Ribbon Mic—check it out at zZounds. Thanks!