E Electronics VR2: Vintage Warmth with Modern Precision
The sE Electronics VR2 (Voodoo 2) marks a breakthrough in microphone design. Whereas traditional ribbon microphones often exhibit a waste in the highs from 7-10 kHz, the VR2 remains linear up to the 20 kHz mark. This is achieved by a patented mechanical filter system designed by sE’s CEO Siwei Zou. You get the silky, “smoky” sound of a ribbon, but with the clarity of a high-end condenser microphone.
Why choose an Active Ribbon?
Unlike the passive VR1, the VR2 has internal electronics that provide phantom power (). This offers two major advantages:
High Output: You don’t need extremely expensive “high-gain” preamps to get a clean signal. Even with a standard interface, the VR2 sounds loud and noise-free.
Impedance-matching: The sound of the microphone remains consistent no matter which preamp you connect it to. This makes it extremely reliable in any studio configuration.
Applications in the Studio
The Microphone excels in situations where you want to capture reality without the sharpness that condenser microphones sometimes have:
Guitar amps: Captures the pressure and texture of a cabinet without the “fizz” in the highs.
Drums: Phenomenal as an overhead or room mic for a natural and wide stereo image.
Strings & Brass: Tames the sharp transients of violins or trumpets while maintaining rich overtones.
Piano: Provides an intimate, classical sound that sounds instantly “off” in the mix.
Built for Eternity
The microphone has a minimalist, slim design and a rugged metal housing. It comes with a deluxe wooden storage box and a sturdy shockmount to eliminate floor vibrations.
Technical specifications
Type: Active Ribbon
Ribbon: 2.5 µm aluminum
Directing characteristic: Figure-8
Frequency range: 20 Hz – 18 kHz (± 3dB)
Sensitivity: 10 mV/Pa (-40 dB)
Max SPL: 135 dB
Power supply: Phantom power required
