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SE ELECTRONICS X1 A 2C Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone with 100 Hz Filter & -20 dB Pad - XLR Condenser Mic for Singing & Instruments - Professional Studio Microphone for Recording (White)
SE ELECTRONICS

SE ELECTRONICS X1 A 2C Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Bottom line: The SE ELECTRONICS X1 A 2C Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone: 150 dB max SPL handles kick drums, guitar amps and loud vocals without distortion; main trade-off: XLR-only output; needs an audio interface or mixer, no direct USB.

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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

  • ✓ 150 dB max SPL handles kick drums, guitar amps and loud vocals without distortion
  • ✓ -20 dB pad switch tames hot sources before they clip your preamp
  • ✓ 100 Hz low-cut filter trims rumble, desk thumps and HVAC hum
  • ✓ Internal windscreen cuts plosives without an external pop filter
  • ✓ All-metal chassis and gold-plated XLR resist electrical interference

Cons

  • ✗ XLR-only output; needs an audio interface or mixer, no direct USB
  • ✗ Condenser design needs phantom power from your interface or mixer
  • ✗ Cardioid-only pickup; no omni or figure-8 modes for room or duet work
  • ✗ Picks up untreated room noise more readily than a dynamic mic

Manufacturer description

The sE Electronics X1 A is a large diaphragm condenser microphone for your first home studio. It works on lead vocals, acoustic guitar, guitar amps and drum overheads. sE rebuilt it on the foundation of the original X1, with a newly developed capsule. That capsule gives a natural frequency response, a smooth top end and fast transient handling, so plucked strings and snare hits stay defined. Loud sources won't overload it. The X1 A handles up to 150 dB SPL, enough to put it in front of a kick drum or a cranked amp without distortion. Two switches help you adapt to each source. A -20 dB pad…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored SE ELECTRONICS X1 A 2C 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 I plug the sE Electronics X1 A straight into my computer?

No. The X1 A has only a gold-plated XLR output, so you need an audio interface or mixer with an XLR input between the mic and your computer.

Does the X1 A need phantom power?

Yes. As an XLR condenser microphone, it needs phantom power from your interface or mixer. Check the product listing or the sE Electronics manual for the exact voltage requirements.

Can the X1 A record loud drums and guitar amps?

Yes. It handles up to 150 dB SPL, and the -20 dB pad switch lowers the output further on very loud sources like kick drums and cranked amps, so the signal doesn't overload your preamp.

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

Often not. The X1 A has an internal windscreen that reduces plosives and protects the capsule. If you sing very close to the mic, you can still add an external pop filter.

What does the 100 Hz filter switch do?

It is a low-cut filter that rolls off content below 100 Hz. It removes low-frequency noise such as stand rumble, desk thumps, traffic and HVAC hum, and reduces bass buildup when you sing close to the cardioid capsule.

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 - White - 25th Anniversary
Impedance50 Ohms
Model NameX1A-25AEWB
Unit Count1.0 Count
Model NumberX1A-25AEWB
Power SourceCorded Electric
Polar PatternUnidirectional
Built-In MediaMicrophone
Connector TypeXLR
Item Dimensions5.1 x 10.5 x 4 inches
Mfr Part NumberX1A-25AEWB
Special FeatureNoise Reduction
Antenna LocationStreaming
Audio Sensitivity34 Decibels
Hardware PlatformAudio interface
Compatible DevicesSpeaker
Frequency Response20 KHz
Number of Channels1
Included ComponentsMicrophone
Full listing titleSE ELECTRONICS X1 A 2C Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone with 100 Hz Filter & -20 dB Pad - XLR Condenser Mic for Singing & Instruments - Professional Studio Microphone for Recording (White)

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SE ELECTRONICS X1 A 2C Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone with 100 Hz Filter & -20 dB Pad - XLR Condenser Mic for Singing & Instruments - Professional Studio Microphone for Recording (White)
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