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SE ELECTRONICS X1 A Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone with 100 Hz Filter & -20 dB Pad - XLR Condenser Mic for Singing & Instruments - Professional Studio Microphone for Recording & Podcasting
SE ELECTRONICS

SE ELECTRONICS X1 A Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone with 100 Hz Filter & -20 dB Pad

Bottom line: The SE ELECTRONICS X1 A Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone: Handles up to 150 dB max SPL for drums, guitar amps, and loud vocals; main trade-off: XLR-only output: needs an audio interface or mixer, no USB plug-and-play.

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By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014, focused on GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference. Synthesises community benchmarks, manufacturer specs, and public forum data into actionable buying guides.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Handles up to 150 dB max SPL for drums, guitar amps, and loud vocals
  • ✓ -20 dB pad switch tames hot sources without swapping mics
  • ✓ 100 Hz low-cut filter trims rumble, handling noise, and room hum
  • ✓ Internal windscreen cuts plosives, often removing the need for a pop filter
  • ✓ All-metal chassis rejects electrical interference; gold-plated XLR output

Cons

  • ✗ XLR-only output: needs an audio interface or mixer, no USB plug-and-play
  • ✗ Condenser design needs phantom power from your interface or mixer
  • ✗ Listing does not state polar pattern, frequency range, or sensitivity
  • ✗ Sensitive condenser capsule picks up room noise in untreated spaces

Manufacturer description

The sE Electronics X1 A is a large diaphragm XLR condenser microphone for home studios, singers, and podcasters who want one mic that handles quiet vocals and loud sources alike. It builds on the original sE X1 with a newly developed condenser capsule, tuned for fast transient response and a balanced frequency response on vocals, acoustic instruments, guitar amps, and drums. The X1 A handles up to 150 dB of maximum SPL. That gives you room to put it in front of a kick drum, a cranked amp, or a powerful vocalist without the capsule distorting. Two onboard switches add control: a -20 dB pad…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored SE ELECTRONICS X1 A Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the streaming gear category. SE ELECTRONICS's streaming gear lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for streaming gear of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the sE Electronics X1 A record loud drums and guitar amps?

Yes. The X1 A has a maximum SPL of 150 dB. Its -20 dB pad switch lets you bring hot signals down further, so you can mic kick drums, snares, and loud amps without the capsule distorting.

Do I need a pop filter with the X1 A for vocals or podcasting?

Often not. The X1 A has a built-in internal windscreen that reduces plosives and protects the capsule. If you sing or speak very close to the mic, an external pop filter can still help.

Does the X1 A plug into a computer by USB?

No. The X1 A has a gold-plated XLR output, so it connects to an audio interface, mixer, or recorder with an XLR input. Like other condenser mics, it needs phantom power from that device.

What do the 100 Hz filter and -20 dB pad switches do?

The 100 Hz low-cut filter rolls off low frequencies, which reduces rumble, handling noise, and HVAC hum. The -20 dB pad lowers the capsule's output by 20 dB so very loud sources don't overload the mic or your preamp.

Is the X1 A durable enough for regular studio use?

The X1 A uses an all-metal chassis built for everyday studio use, and the housing also helps reject electrical interference. Check the product listing for current warranty terms and included accessories.

Key Features

  • 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 – Built on the proven foundation of the original sE X1 condenser microphone, the X1 A delivers clear, balanced, and professional-quality sound for musicians, engineers, and content creators alike
  • 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝘀𝘂𝗹𝗲 – The X1 A features a newly developed condenser capsule that delivers stellar sonic performance with incredible speed and well-balanced frequency response. Versatile in application, this entry-level studio mic performs on any source with stunning accuracy
  • 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲 𝗦𝗣𝗟 – With a maximum SPL of 150 dB, the X1 A music recording microphone captures drums, amps, and powerful vocals without distortion, delivering clean, accurate sound even at the highest volumes
  • 𝗣𝗮𝗱 & 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 – The X1 A vocal microphone features a -20 dB pad and 100 Hz low-cut filter to tame loud signals and reduce unwanted low-frequency noise
  • 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗩𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹𝘀 – The built-in internal windscreen eliminates plosives and protects the capsule, making the X1 A music microphone ideal for voice recording without needing an external pop filter
  • 𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗹-𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀 – X1 S and X1 A recording & stage microphones feature a rugged metal housing that rejects electrical interference and withstands everyday studio use, with a finish designed to last for years

Full Specifications

BrandSE ELECTRONICS
ColorX1 A
Model NameSEEX1AU
Unit Count1 Count
Model NumberX1 A
Power SourceCorded Electric
Audible Noise20 db
Polar PatternUnidirectional
Built-In Mediamicrophone
Connector TypeXLR
Frequency Range20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
Item Dimensions10.43 x 4.92 x 4.02 inches
Mfr Part NumberSEE-X1A
Special Feature100 Hz Bass-cut Filter and -20 dB Attenuation Pad, High Maximum SPL Handling, Low Self-Noise, Switchable Attenuation and Low-cut Filters, Wide Dynamic Range
Antenna LocationSinging
Audio Sensitivity34 db
Maximum Frequency20000 hertz
Minimum Frequency20 hertz
Compatible DevicesAudio Interface
Enclosure MaterialStainless Steel
Full listing titleSE ELECTRONICS X1 A Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone with 100 Hz Filter & -20 dB Pad - XLR Condenser Mic for Singing & Instruments - Professional Studio Microphone for Recording & Podcasting

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SE ELECTRONICS X1 A Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone with 100 Hz Filter & -20 dB Pad - XLR Condenser Mic for Singing & Instruments - Professional Studio Microphone for Recording & Podcasting
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