NAMM 2014: SE Electronics SE5

The SE5 from SE Electronics is the successor to the hugely popular SE4 small diaphragm condenser and does away with the interchangeable capsule in favour of a fixed cardioid pattern capsule. The mic still features 100Hz bass cut and -10dB/-20dB switches and ships with a custom shock mount. It can also handle an astonishing 170dB SPL, making it suitable for recording exceptionally loud sources, and it's also suitable for capturing acoustic instruments and percussion in a studio setting. It's also been designed with the stage in mind and has a new low-profile black paint job, as opposed to the silver SE4.

The SE5 is available as a single mic for £238$299 or as a pair for £478$599.