SE ProMic Laser DSLR microphoneSince the rise of the DSLR camera for shooting video, audio-conscious film-makers have been on the lookout for external mics as, generally speaking, the built-in mics in many cameras are not very high quality. Their primary function, after all, is to capture visuals. Sennheiser and Rode have both been making microphones that fall within the budget of amateur and semi-professional film-makers and now SE Electronics are looking to shake things up by entering the market as well.
There are two new models available, both back-electret designs — the first is a shotgun mic, called the ProMic Laser, with a durable but lightweight aluminium housing and integrated shockmount. In terms of functionality, It isn't a million miles from its competitors, although James Young of SE Electronics claims that due to the mic's higher sensitivity, self noise is greatly reduced. If the output is too high for your particular camera, there is also a dim switch, as opposed to a boost control on other lower-sensitivity mics, which further reduces noise floor instead of increasing it.
SE Electronics' interchangeable capsule mic with XY attachment.He also claims that the frequency response of the new mics is flatter than models from their competitors, too. Most have a high frequency boost for a more produced sound without having to EQ later, but the philosophy behind the new SE video mics is to capture a sound that is as representative as possible, and therefore easier to mix later if you want to EQ to taste. It also features a bass cut switch.
The second video mic is a two-channel model with an integral shotgun mic and a connection on the top for three interchangeable modules — a figure-8 or omni capsule for M/S and other configurations (Moon Ray), an XY pair module (X Ray) and an AB pair module (Gamma Ray). It also features a built-in shockmount to reduce handling noise.
SE Electronics' interchangeable capsule mic with figure-8/omni capsule attached.
All the mics also feature the same three year zero-down-time warrantee as their other mics. This is a year longer than competitiors.
Pricing is currently unavilable but expect them to be a little more expensive than comparable mics from Rode.
