sE Electronics BL8 Half-Cardioid Boundary Microphone

About: sE Electronics BL8 Half-Cardioid Boundary Microphone

Bullet-proof, built like a tank and ready for the road, your secret weapon for a variety of applications such as kick drums and other high SPL sources.

The BL8 is a half-cardioid boundary microphone, utilizing the same capsule as the celebrated sE8 small-diaphragm condenser. Its hand-crafted, true condenser capsule utilizes an ultra-thin three-micron gold-sputtered diaphragm for superior transient response. Designed to reproduce low frequencies with stunning accuracy, the BL8 is perfect in combination with our V KICK, but can also be used alone without an additional outer kick drum mic. It is also compatible with The Kelly Shu Flatz Isolation System, making it ideal for touring applications.

The BL8 utilizes transformerless Class-A circuitry to ensure plentiful headroom without distortion, while its low-noise electronics deliver transparency and clarity. The integrated low-cut filter and optional EQ shaping switch make it a very versatile microphone, excelling at immersive ambience recording, detailed room miking, and it can even be used on acoustic pianos. Thanks to its switchable attenuation pad, the BL8 keeps high-SPL sources from overloading your mixer’s input.

Robustly built, the BL8 features an all-metal construction, a dent-proof grille, and gold-plated XLR contacts to ensure long-term reliability. Recommended for Kick Drum, Cajon, Piano, Speech, Conferencing, Room Miking / Ambience, Stage Floor Miking

Featuring our renowned 1/2" true-condenser sE8 cardioid capsule

Utilizing the same capsule as the celebrated sE8 small-diaphragm condenser, the BL8 features a hand-crafted, true condenser capsule with an ultra-thin three-micron gold-sputtered diaphragm for superior transient response.

• Ultra-thin 3-micron gold-sputtered diaphragm for superior transient response
• True condenser technology for smooth and balanced frequency response
• Every capsule is hand-crafted and individually tuned in our very own factory

Bullet-proof, built like a tank and ready for the road

Robustly built, the BL8 features an all-metal construction and a dent-proof grille, perfect for touring environments and busy stages. The BL8 is also compatible with The Kelly Shu Flatz Isolation System for easy integration into any kick drum.

• Robust and durable all-metal housing with premium finish
• Compatible with The Kelly Shu Flatz Isolation System
• High-quality finish ensures a great look for many years

Switchable EQ, pre-attenuation pad and low-cut filter

The integrated low-cut filter and attenuation pad switches make the BL8 a very versatile microphone, excelling at ambience recording, room miking, and can even be used on acoustic pianos while keeping high-SPL sources from overloading your mixer’s input.

• Enables close-miking of kick drums and other high SPL sources
• Three EQ options allow a wide range of applications
• Classic and modern voicings accommodate for live and studio settings
• Massive low-end eliminates the need for an “outer" kick mic

Classic and modern voicings accommodate for live and studio settings

The ideal studio kick drum tone is often different than our preferences in a live sound environment. Similar to our award-winning kick-drum mic, the V KICK, the BL8 offers “Classic” and “Modern” voicings. These options both cut and shape the low-mids to emphasize transients and punch. In its center position, the capsule’s neutral response is retained, which is ideal for a plethora of other applications.

Incredible dynamic range in all areas

The BL8 utilizes transformerless Class-A circuitry to ensure plentiful headroom without distortion. Its ultra-low-noise electronics enable demanding applications such as grand piano or room miking while also designed to reproduce low frequencies with stunning accuracy, the BL8 is perfect in combination with our V KICK, but can also be used alone, without an additional outer kick-drum mic.

• Proven Class-A circuitry ensures massive headroom without distortion
• Transformerless design for excellent transparency and clarity
• Ultra-low-noise electronics enable demanding applications such as capturing grand piano and room miking

Gold-plated XLR connector

Built to last, the BL8 has a gold-plated XLR connector to ensure loss-free, reliable signal connection for years and years of demanding use.

• For loss-free and reliable signal connection

Specifications

• Components
  • Capsule -  Hand-crafted small-diaphragm true-condenser capsule
• Power
  • Powering -  48 Volts according to IEC 61938
  • Electrical impedance -  60 Ohms
  • Current consumption -  5.0 mA
  • Connectivity -  3-pin male XLR connector
• Sound
  • Polar patterns -  Half-cardioid
  • Frequency range -  20 – 20,000 Hz
  • Sensitivity -  25 mV/Pa (-32 dBV)
  • Max. SPL (0.5% THD) -  143 / 153 / 163 dB SPL (0/10/20 dB attenuation pad)
  • Equivalent noise level -  14 dB(A)
  • Dynamic range -  129 / 139 / 149 dB (0/10/20 dB attenuation pad)
  • Signal-to-noise ratio -  80 dB
  • Low-cut filter -  80 / 160 Hz, 6 dB/oct, switchable
  • Attenuation pad -  10 / 20 dB, switchable
  • Recommended load impedance -  >1k Ohms
• Dimensions (LxWxH) -  5.47 x 3.74 x 1.12 inch (139 x 95 x 28.5 mm)
• Weight -  538 g (1.19 lb)

What's in the box

• BL8 microphone
• Pouch
• sE logo sticker
• Quick start guide
• User manual with warranty card

UPC: 819032012031