sE Electronics VR1 Voodoo Passive Ribbon Microphone

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zZounds Gear Experts Say...
Like the sE RNR1, the VR1 microphone captures detailed recordings with extended highs. It's not black magic -- it's sE Electronics' Voodoo ribbon technology.

The Voodoo ribbon microphones from sE mark a milestone era for ribbon mic technology. Until the Voodoo Series, the only ribbon mic in the world to perform across 20Hz-20kHz was sE's Rupert Neve collaboration, the RNR1. This was achieved using state-of-the-art custom transformers and a Rupert Neve-designed circuit to reveal HF usually absent.

With the Voodoo mics, full frequency response is achieved using a clever mechanical device designed by Siwei Zou, the company CEO, and a hand-tensioned ribbon constructed by highly specialized technicians in sE's capsule room. The result is a superbly detailed, open and natural recording of acoustic instruments and guitar cabs. The Voodoo's ability to perform -- coupled with its unique look -- have already made it a secret weapon for thousands of players worldwide.

What's in the box?

- VR1 microphone
- microphone stand clip
- thread adapter
- wooden case
- shockmount
WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.p65Warnings.ca.gov.

- Electronics: Passive
- Generating Element: Hand-tensioned 2.5um aluminum ribbon
- Directional Pattern: Figure-8
- Frequency range: 20 Hz - 18 kHz
- Impedance: 300 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 1.78 mV/Pa (-55 dB)
- Max SPL: 135 dB (0.5% THD @ 1kHz)
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 75 dB
- Self Noise: 19 dB(A)
- Matching Connectors: XLR3F
- Power requirement: N/A (phantom-protected)
- Weight: 230g / 8.11oz

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging

Base Item

  • Shipping Weight: 2 lbs
  • Shipping Dimensions: 14 x 5 x 4 in
  • Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): VR1U

sE Electronics VR1 Voodoo Passive Ribbon Microphone
Updated April 3, 2025 08:17 by Nick Wedyke
Hey, it's Nick from zZounds with some things to know about the sE Electronics VR1.

This is a passive ribbon mic with a hand-tensioned 2.5-micrometer aluminum ribbon. One standout feature is its phantom power protection—though it’s never recommended to use phantom power with ribbon mics, this one is designed to withstand accidental activation. So, if your interface has phantom power on when this mic is plugged in, you won’t destroy it. That said, it’s still best to avoid engaging phantom power with any ribbon mic.

The VR1 was designed in collaboration with Rupert Neve Designs and delivers an impressive 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response—an incredible range for a ribbon mic. You’ll get deep, rich lows and shimmering highs, making this a true studio secret weapon. It excels on drums, guitars, and even vocals, offering a smooth, natural sound.

Included with the mic is a wooden storage box for safekeeping, a shock mount, an additional mount, an adapter, and a protective pouch. It has a figure-8 polar pattern, making it perfect for overhead drum miking, room mics, and even capturing the natural resonance of a piano. Plus, with a maximum SPL of 135 dB, it can handle loud sources with ease.

This is the sE Electronics VR1 Voodoo Passive Ribbon Mic—check it out at zZounds. Thanks!
sE Electronics VR1 Voodoo Passive Ribbon Microphone

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 512-847-5696
Web: https://seelectronics.com/contact/support-service/
sE Electronics VR1 and VR2 User Manual

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (1 ratings)
Submitted June 6, 2026 by a customer from gmail.com

"The "Voodoo" is real. My first ribbon mic."

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Purchaser zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.
Got this mic in the mail from zZounds in record time of course. This mic deserves a good review. I immediately beat cheeks to the studio and plugged it into my EL9 and recorded a 60s style male vocal from about 18 inches away. Wow! I could hardly believe what I was hearing in the monitors. Recorded the vocal at 24 48. Placed that vocal in a skanky rock guitar drum bass mix w/ mono AR50s drums and a Rickenbacker stereo bass. HOly CrAp! My vocal sits in the mix loud and clear. Had to EQ out just a little mid/high freqs. I recorded it flat (no bass roll off - I rarely do that but I had to try it w/ this mic). Note: the EL9 is an amazing preamp and you don't hear any hiss in the vocal recording. If you read other reviews of this mic, yes, you are best to use a good clean preamp to get the best of this ribbon mic. CONCLUSIONLittle more to say than WE HAVE A WINNER! I will be using this mic for vocals and probably anything else I can think of. Super fun quality mic. Super happy with my purchase.

Musical Background:

Professional Musician and Producer - Tuba Piano Guitar

Musical Style:

Anything but country - too difficult for me. Mad respect for those guitarist.
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