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Looking for a bargain mic bundle? The sE X1 A may just fit the bill.
As a seasoned audio engineer, I’m always on the lookout for home studio gear that punches above its weight. This little beauty fits the bill nicely.
The bundle includes a CAD Audio pop filter. It’s a decent size at 6 inches and has a flexible gooseneck. This combo is spot on for keeping those pesky plosives at bay.
Bottom line
For budding singer-songwriters or musicians dipping their toes into home recording, the sE X1 A is a great first mic.
It’s a Swiss army knife of a microphone—great on vocals, acoustic guitars, and even as a room mic for drums.
The sound quality belies its modest price tag. If you’re after a reliable workhorse for your home studio that won’t break the bank, give the sE X1 A a go. It might just be the secret sauce your recordings have been missing.
sE Electronics X1 A Microphone - Solid build quality with an all-metal housing
- Excellent noise rejection, which is crucial for home recordings
- Built-in windscreen saves space and money
- Versatile with its -20 dB pad and 100Hz low-cut switch
- Gold-plated XLR connector ensures a reliable signal
- Bundled pop filter is a nice bonus
- Might be overkill for absolute beginners
- Requires phantom power, which not all interfaces provide
- Can be sensitive to plosives even with the built-in windscreen
- Not the most flattering for all voice types
- Pop filter gooseneck could be sturdier
Key features
Audio quality
I’ve used plenty of mics in my time, but the X1 A really stands out. Its sound is clean and true. The newly-made capsule picks up vocals and instruments with stunning clarity.
The X1 A shines on all sorts of sources:
- Vocals cut through the mix
- Acoustic guitars sound rich and full
- Electric guitars have bite and body
- Drums and percussion come alive
What impresses me most is how natural everything sounds. There’s no harshness or muddy low-end. It’s like the mic isn’t even there.
That said, while the sound quality is good, I’ve noticed it doesn’t suit every voice equally well. It does err on the bright side which can add too much treble on sopranos and heaver rock singers.
The hefty SPL handling (150dB!) means, in theory, I can record loud sources without worry but it’s not the best for extremely loud sources. The -20 dB pad helps, but I’d still use a dynamic mic for screaming vocals or loud amps.
Durability and build quality
The all-metal housing feels solid in my hands. This robust design helps keep electrical interference at bay. Electrical noise that can easily ruin a take so this is a good addition. I’ve used cheaper mics that pick up all sorts of hum and buzz. Not this one.
I appreciate the switches for attenuation and low-cut. They’ve come in handy when recording loud sources or cutting out unwanted low-end rumble. The gold-plated XLR connector is a nice touch, ensuring a clean signal path.
The built-in windscreen is handy. It cuts down on plosives without needing an extra pop filter. But for extra protection, the bundle comes with a CAD Audio pop filter.
The bundled pop filter is decent, but I wish the 14-inch gooseneck was a bit more robust. It tends to droop after positioning, which can be frustrating during longer sessions.
The metal body gives it a premium look too. It’s not just about looks, though. The durability means it can handle the odd knock or bump. This is great for home studios where space might be tight.
One thing to note: the metal construction makes it a bit heavier than some plastic mics. But I reckon that’s a fair trade-off for the added durability.
A couple of small gripes
- The XLR cable isn’t included. But that’s not a deal-breaker. Most of us have spare cables lying around anyway.
- The included mic clip is basic. You might want to upgrade to a shock mount for better isolation.
Ease of use and versatility
I’ve found the X1 A to be a jack-of-all-trades in my home studio. It’s great for vocals, but I’ve also used it on acoustic guitars with lovely results. The large diaphragm picks up the warmth and depth of instruments beautifully.
The X1 A is a breeze to set up. The gold-plated XLR connector is top-notch. It ensures a solid, noise-free link to my audio interface. No fiddling about with dodgy connections here.
I love the versatility of this mic. It’s got a -20 dB pad and a 100 Hz low-cut switch. These are brilliant for taming boomy sources or cutting out low-end rumble.
The included pop filter is a nice touch. It helps tame those pesky plosives when recording close-up vocals or narration.
Value for money
For the price, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better all-rounder. It’s a decent choice for home studios looking to step up their game.
On the flip side, this mic might be a bit much for someone just starting out. It needs phantom power, which not all budget interfaces offer.
There are better mics out there but not many at this price range.
Is the sE X1 A worth it?
I’ve used many mics over my 20 years as an audio engineer. The X1 A bundle is an okay choice for home recording. It captures vocals clearly and handles instruments well too. The pop filter is a nice bonus.
Solid build quality with an all-metal housing
Excellent noise rejection, which is crucial for home recordings
Built-in windscreen saves space and money
Versatile with its -20 dB pad and 100Hz low-cut switch
Gold-plated XLR connector ensures a reliable signal
Bundled pop filter is a nice bonus
Might be overkill for absolute beginners
Requires phantom power, which not all interfaces provide
Can be sensitive to plosives even with the built-in windscreen
Not the most flattering for all voice types
Pop filter gooseneck could be sturdier
For the price, you get good value. It’s not top-of-the-line, but it’s a step up from basic USB mics. If you’re starting to record demos at home, this mic will serve you well.
Keep in mind, it needs a proper audio interface. Also, treat your room for the best results.
Overall, I reckon it’s a smart buy for singer-songwriters on a budget. It’ll help you capture decent recordings without breaking the bank.
Scoring
| Criterion | Score (out of 10) | Weight (%) | Weighted Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sound Quality | 8 | 30% | 2.40 |
| Ease of Use | 9 | 20% | 1.80 |
| Features | 8 | 15% | 1.20 |
| Build Quality | 9 | 15% | 1.35 |
| Value for Money | 8 | 10% | 0.80 |
| Compatibility | 7 | 5% | 0.35 |
| Innovation | 6 | 5% | 0.30 |
| Total Score | 100% | 8.2 |
Frequently asked questions
The X1 A is a budget-friendly option with a simpler design than the X1 S. The X1 A has a fixed cardioid polar pattern, while the X1 S offers more flexibility with multiple patterns.
I’ve used both mics. The X1 A is great for home studios, perfect for vocals and acoustic instruments. The X1 S gives you more options but costs more.
For value seekers, I’d recommend the X1 A bundle. It includes the mic and a pop filter, giving you everything to start recording.
The X1 S offers more features but costs more. For most home studio users, the X1 A is enough. It delivers good sound quality at a lower price.
If you need multiple polar patterns, consider the X1 S. But for general use, the X1 A bundle is hard to beat for value.
