SE Electronics BL8 Omni
Technical analysis of SE Electronics microphone
- Polar pattern: Omnidirectional
- Class A circuit without transformers
- Frequency response: 20 – 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 50 mV/Pa (-26 dBV)
- Max. SPL: 143 / 153 / 163 dB SPL (0/10/20 dB pad)
- Equivalent noise level: 14 dB (A)
- Low-cut filter: 80 or 160 Hz with 6 dB/oct switchable
- Pad: 10 or 20 dB switchable
- Character switch: Classic and Modern modes cut the mids
- Requires 48V phantom power
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 139 x 95 x 28 mm
- Weight: 0.53 kg
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Additional Information
Customer Review Summary
I have been on the lookout for a boundary layer microphone that could function effectively between a conference mic and a kick drum, and the SE Electronics BL8 Omni certainly delivers on that front.
This microphone excels in its versatility, providing excellent performance for both speech and acoustic instruments. The omni-directional design leverages the physical advantages of a spherical pickup pattern, which means there is minimal proximity effect and no loss of bass frequencies down to 20Hz. With a low self-noise of just 14dB(A), it is ideal for use in conferences and theatres as well as for ambient microphone setups.
One of the standout features is the ability to easily swap out the capsule for a cardioid option, using the provided screwdriver. For those who prefer a cardioid capsule for kick drum applications, it is recommended to pair this mic with an SE8 small diaphragm microphone to make the most of the interchangeable capsules. This setup allows for a kick mic and a mono overhead without needing to store an extra capsule.
Although this mic is often used in kick drum applications, I decided to test it for a meeting in a large warehouse, with no acoustic treatment, simply placed on a table. Remarkably, it captured clear and intelligible speech from about a metre away, and offered good sound quality from approximately 50cm. For my needs, particularly user interviews for usability testing, the performance has been absolutely satisfactory and more than adequate.
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