Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, The Rolling Stones, Willie Nelson

George Michael, Sir Cliff Richard, Pet Shop Boys, Tina Turner

Jamiroquai, Kylie Minogue, Beverley Knight

Ronnie Drew is the legendary Irish folk musician, member of the Dubliners, solo musician and a man who quite clearly has many fans and friends within the Irish Music scene. Recent health problems triggered a gathering of these musicians ? including international stars such as Bono, Sinead O Conner and Andrea Corr ? to record The Ballad Of Ronnie Drew, already a smash hit in Ireland with proceeds going to The Irish Cancer Society.

They were using sE's award-winning Reflexion Filter and Gemini microphone during the recording of the song. Assistant engineer Enda Walsh ? a big fan of sE products ? was in on the session along with engineer Alastair MacMillan.

“Both Alastair and myself have previously worked, and continue to work, with most of the artists involved” says Walsh. “I started out working in studios and was honoured to do Front Of House sound for Van Morrison for 10 years, a position that gave me the privilege of working with Ray Charles, James Brown and many more.

“Alastair MacMillan has been a long time friend,” continues Walsh. “He has also used my sE Gemini II and Reflexion Filter on many occasions and was very happy for me to bring them along to the session. He, also, is a big fan of sE.”

“I love the natural sound of the Gemini II,” continues Walsh. “Not only is it my default vocal microphone, it is also my preferred acoustic guitar mic. I haven't tried it on piano or drum overheads yet but I have no doubt that it will deliver.”

And what did he make of the Reflexion Filter?

“It is just the best thing ever. I can't imagine why someone didn't do it years ago!”

So how did the big day go in the end?

“The recording day went very well,” replies Enda, “although it is somewhat of a blur, due mainly to the turnaround speed. Everything went very smoothly and everyone was 'more than happy' with the sE set-up, which is a tribute to you guys. Take a bow!”

sE Electronic's Reflexion Fitler beat tough competition to earn the Satisfecit Award for Best Acoustic Product at Satis 2007 in France.

The SATISFECIT award recognizes innovative products that solve problems, make daily work easier, and/or represent a dramatic improvement in cost effectiveness. Judges for the SATISFECIT award comprised a distinguished panel of French production, postproduction, and video professionals.

The SatisFecit awards, reinitiated this year to mark the 25th anniversary of SATIS, recognise the most innovative products on the market across three categories - Production, Post-production, and Broadcast.

A huge number of manufacturers, excited by this initiative, registered their products in this competition. From these entries a total of 51 products were short listed for the subject of careful study by the jury, composed of experts from the professional audiovisual community, and the public. From this final shortlist only 23 products were chosen for awards for demonstrating their innovation and competition to the highest possible level from the entire audio industry

James Young of sE Electronics says "We are extremely proud of this award. 2007 has seen us win a large number of awards for the Reflexion Filter , and sales now top 30,000 units. It is one of the most successful products in the audio industry during 2007, and sales continue to grow coming into 2008 as more and more people find it an invaluable tool in project studios, commercial recording studios, broadcast, voice over and many other areas.

He continues "it is a resounding endorsement of the Reflexion Filter that it is not only hugely popular product, but has also now gained the highest critical acclaim... a rare thing in our industry.

Chops Horns use sE - November 29th, 2007

Chops Horns is a group of music entertainment professionals with over 20 years of experience in the recording industry. They have an extensive background and have recorded for artists in every genre of music including R&B, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Funk, Rap, Hip-hop, Latin and Adult Contemporary. Chops has a distinguished discography with artists such as The Rolling Stones, George Clinton, Bob Dylan, Sting, Mariah Carey and Alicia Keys.

At a recent recording session Chops used the sE Gemini microphone with the sE Reflexion Filter :

"I really enjoyed using the sE Gemini microphone. I noticed that it handled the highs and the power of the trumpet well. It also handled the lows of the Alto Flute. It gave both horns a very natural sound, like the old school tube mics. " - Dave Watson of Chops Horns

Bonsai Music produce music for prime-time US TV shows and have their own artist roster and choose two sE favourites, Reflexion Filter and Gemini for their recording needs…

It's taken a lifelong obsession with music and years of dedication for Andrew Crutwell-Jones to realise his dream ? running two fully equipped studios that produce bespoke soundtracks for TV, film, multimedia and recording artists.

Bonsai Music Production may have been producing music professionally for just five years, but their rise to the top has been nothing short of remarkable. They now count such world-famous clients as 19 Management and the Fox Network amongst their roster, as well as up and coming artists Amy Studt and Zeebra.

Andrew's rightly pleased with this success ? not bad for a man who kick-started his career writing for the BBC a few years earlier due to “severe lack of income”. From tiny acorns do mighty oak trees grow! Bonsai now offers a main studio equipped with the kind of gear their a-list clients expect, including the ultimate recording combo ? the Gemini dual-valve microphone coupled with the award-winning Reflexion Filter .

“When we're in the studio we need to rely on gear that's robust. Gear I can experiment with, but ultimately gear that's of a rock-solid quality so I know I can use the end results.”

“The Reflexion Filter is what I turn to when recording vocals and guitar. When I need to get an amazing closeness on certain tracks....it's the only way to get the sound I'm after.”

“But the Gemini is so versatile, it's not only good for vocal recording. I've done some pretty far out things with the Gemini and it always gives great results. One time I miked up the end of a tunnel made of breeze blocks, stuck an amp at the other end and hit record. Fantastic, really dark distant guitar sound that's great to mix in as an effect. The Gemini and Reflexion Filter are just a great combo!”

“These days recording is often a case of style over content, but producing music shouldn't just be about the equipment you use and the latest plug-ins. Producing should be about getting the best from an artist. In my opinion there's an abundance of things we can do now when it comes to recording, but the key is always the song.”
“And this is why I like sE gear ? it always does what it says on the tin, but so much more besides.”

J Moss is a Grammy-nominated gospel R&B singer based out of Detroit, MI. On his latest album, V2... The J Moss Project , he wanted to capture the most powerful and soulful tracks possible. That's why he chose the sE Gemini for all of his vocals! The album was recently released and debuthat ted at #1 on the Billboard Gospel Album charts.

Here is what his producer, Paul "PDA" Allen of Pajam Records, has to say about the sE Gemini :

"I've been recording and mixing for 17 years now and I've used a wide range of great mics that are usually very expensive. Not until now in my career as a producer/engineer have I experienced the best of both worlds: A fantastic, dynamic mic with incredible presence and brillance in its distinctive sound at a wonderful price. It allows for a natural sound without adding eq and has a very responsive diaphram without the need for adding heavy compression. Very plug & go friendly.

"I've used this mic on all of the artist I've produced in the last 6 months: Patti LaBelle, J Moss, Vanessa Bell-Armstrong, Dave Hollister, 21:03 on their new single "Still...", and of course my debut album (in stores fall of 2007). I thank sE for continuing to introduce high end products that work well with both professional and home pro studios. With the other list of technologies that I've used faithfully (Telefunken, Neumann, Sony) sE has become one of my favorites. The Reflexion Filter is a nice addition that will soon be a studio standard.

"Remember to use your gifts, talents & abilities beyond the limits."

When the stars of the Irish music scene lined up to record The Ballad For Ronnie Drew, a ‘living tribute' for the Irish singer and folk musician, they ended up with a fantastic song helped in no small way by veteran engineer Enda Walsh and his sE Gemini and Reflexion Filter…

Ronnie Drew is the legendary Irish folk musician, member of the Dubliners, solo musician and a man who quite clearly has many fans and friends within the Irish Music scene. Recent health problems triggered a gathering of these musicians ? including international stars such as Bono, Sinead O Conner and Andrea Corr ? to record The Ballad Of Ronnie Drew, already a smash hit in Ireland with proceeds going to The Irish Cancer Society.

They were using sE's award-winning Reflexion Filter and Gemini microphone during the recording of the song. Assistant engineer Enda Walsh ? a big fan of sE products ? was in on the session along with engineer Alastair MacMillan.

“Both Alastair and myself have previously worked, and continue to work, with most of the artists involved” says Walsh. “I started out working in studios and was honoured to do Front Of House sound for Van Morrison for 10 years, a position that gave me the privilege of working with Ray Charles, James Brown and many more.

“Alastair MacMillan has been a long time friend,” continues Walsh. “He has also used my sE Gemini and Reflexion Filter on many occasions and was very happy for me to bring them along to the session. He, also, is a big fan of sE.”

“I love the natural sound of the Gemini,” continues Walsh. “Not only is it my default vocal microphone, it is also my preferred acoustic guitar mic. I haven't tried it on piano or drum overheads yet but I have no doubt that it will deliver.”

And what did he make of the Reflexion Filter?

“It is just the best thing ever. I can't imagine why someone didn't do it years ago!”

So how did the big day go in the end?

“The recording day went very well,” replies Enda, “although it is somewhat of a blur, due mainly to the turnaround speed. Everything went very smoothly and everyone was 'more than happy' with the sE set-up, which is a tribute to you guys. Take a bow!”

Dom recently won a Grammy for his work on the number 1 Amy Winehouse album 'Back To Black'. He also recently engineered Mark Ronson's 'Version', the Grinderman (Nick Cave) debut album and The Feeling's award winning 'Twelve Stops And Home' to name a few - so he's a busy fella.

Reflexion Filter 'I recently used the RF while recording vocals at an artists house and it was the ideal solution. It's like you don't need a studio anymore. If I'm ever recording in a less-than-ideal acoustic I can just throw the RF up and all the problems are gone - I've got a clean and clear sound as if I was recording somewhere considerably more expensive.'

Gemini 'The Gemini kind of gives you the best of both worlds - it's got all the presence and mid-range clarity you'd expect from a valve mic, but with a really open and clear top end that you wouldn't expect. I'd normally be adding a bit of top when recording vocals but have found it's not necessary with the Gemini as it's already there.'

When top producer Rob Aubrey needed to service his trusted Neumann U67, he discovered a worthy sE replacement for only marginally more than the U67's service charge!

“Sound Engineering was destined to be my passion from the moment I laid eyes on a mixing desk at school,” so says Rob Aubrey looking back at the start of a successful career that stretches back 22 years. In that time he has worked with bands like It Bites, Transatlantic, Pendragon, Wills And The Willing and Big Big Train, not to mention artists like Geoff Downes and John Wetton, both in the studio and on stage as Front Of House engineer.

“My latest project is called PULSE and features Tony Levin on bass, Thomas Lang on drums, Mike Holmes (IQ) on guitar and Nick D'Virgilio (Tears for Fears/Genesis/Spock's Beard) on drums and vocals. I vow never to let any band leave my recording sessions with something they are not proud of. My repeat bookings speak for themselves!”

Over two decades Rob has dealt with just about every studio and live recording challenge and has now chosen an arsenal of sE gear to help him in this fight for perfection. But this choice has sometimes been at the expense of more expensive studio stalwarts… “My first purchase was the sE Gemini,” he says. “I then heard great reports about the ICIS and Z5600, so those were next on my shopping list along with the Reflexion Filter, mic stand and a stereo pair of SE3s.”

“With the Gemini I needed a large diaphragm mic to replace my trusted Neumann U67, which was in desperate need of a service. I was so happy with it that I sold the U67 after it came back from the service. That service cost me nearly as much as the Gemini itself! It is a superb replacement for the U67 and on both ICON albums I used it to record John Wetton's lush vocal arrangements with ease.”

“I used the Gemini with the Reflexion Filter for all main vocals and then without for all complex chorus harmonies that are so beautifully typical of John. The vocals sat together with ease and the Gemini proved a perfect combination with such a magnificent singer. I was astounded at the signal-to-noise ratio of the mic. The Gemini 2 is apparently even quieter ? so I'll be saving my pennies and getting that very soon!” “The ICIS is fantastic for female singers and, for the money, is a must buy, as is the Z5600, which has found use as an all rounder on acoustic guitars and drum room mics. The SE3s are always my first choice for overhead duties and stereo miking for acoustics.”

“sE mics have changed the speed I work at because I know what each mic is going to give me, so I can quickly judge which mic will suit what vocalist or instrument. Having a range of mics gives me those options, while the financial outlay is minimal, so I have no hesitation in recommending these mics to my clients.”

“I have also had a few occasions when only the biggest mic will do ? the ‘ego' of the vocalist requires something of equal magnitude. And I'm happy to say that the Gemini delivers on all counts!” Rob is close to completing the PULSE project and still enjoying his work as much as he did when he first spied that mixer. “I still have the same passion,” he says. “I consider myself extremely lucky to be part of a profession that offers so much in the way of fun, reward, long term friendships ? and it takes me to places I would never normally go…” Pictures supplied Rob Aubrey and his sE selection

Chris Porter has worked with the biggest and best vocalists in his 26 years in the business including Tina Turner, George Michael, Take That and Sir Cliff Richard. So which microphone does this most experienced of engineers take into the studio to record the best vocals? The sE Gemini…

“I started off engineering for Tony Visconti at Good Earth studios in London,” remembers Chris Porter as he looks back over his 26 years in the music business. Then he adds, far too casually: “Not long after that I met up with Wham! and worked on all of their early records and went on to work with George Michael for 14 years. It was engineering and production, all the big hits, Careless Whisper and Wake Me Up ? everything really. I then did Take That in the 90s and had a nice big hit with Back For Good. I'm currently working on the tour DVD, doing the audio for that. I'm recording the Manchester gigs and we're going to make it from those two concerts.”

So in the space of 30 seconds we find that Chris Porter has worked with some of the biggest names in pop! But it doesn't end there…

“I produced about half of the Discography album for The Pet Shop Boys and am currently working on an album called Story Man with Chris De Burgh. I'm also working with Cliff Richard doing a duets project with him. There's also Hall & Oats and Tina Turner…”

It's fair to say, then, that Chris has been around the biggest names in music, and all helped by that early intro to Messers Michael and Ridgley…

“I've worked with a lot of people but I guess I was very fortunate to do that stuff with such a high profile act like Wham! and George Michael,” he agrees. “It opens a few doors and brings you to the attention of quite a few people and you rub shoulders with stars all the time. I did a lot of live work with George and hanging out in LA you meet people.”

And having recorded the best, Chris surely knows a thing or two about microphones and his new first choice model is the sE Gemini …

“I immediately tried it out on some guitars and was very impressed,” says Chris. “I've since recorded some vocals with Cliff and he sounds fantastic, it suits his voice perfectly. It's a lovely warm, crisp sound that it's got. I was impressed with the construction as well. The units look really well made and solid. The sound is really, really good. I'm waiting for the opportunity to try others in the range.”

And sE don't just make microphones. Chris is lucky enough to be one of the first producers to try out the company's Reflexion Filter …

“It's very effective,” he says. “I was recording a band at Metropolis and they've got a very large live area there and I was using the Reflexion Filter on the guitars to contain them. You do get a really good image and it takes out a lot of the background reflections so in that situation I found it very useful.”

“I also use it in my vocal booth. Generally so you can see the vocalist you have them standing not very far from a glass window and, of course, you are getting bouncing sibilance back from the window into the mic and it can give you really blurry s's and t's. The Reflexion Filter cleans those up nicely and I find it also helps control the bottom end; you get a really good bottom end on the vocal. It really does make it sound like you have a very expensive booth. Such a simple idea!”

Finally, after having worked with so many top stars, can there be anyone left that Chris wants to work with? Oh yes…

“Yeah I'd probably be willing to lose a couple of legs to work with Stevie Wonder!”

Chris' Top Production tip “I think you have to be reasonably calm, you've got to be unflappable and try and maintain a happy and co-operative atmosphere.”

When it comes to sorting out your priorities in life, producer Gareth Johnson has a simple philosophy: “music all day, every day”. Little wonder then that after years honing his studio skills he's now producing Natalie Imbruglia and Goldfrapp, recording the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and writing theme tunes for Norwich-based anti- hero Alan Partridge.

Not many people rack up that kind of CV after reaching the tender age of 27, but Gareth's mastery of the recording studio comes from a lifelong passion that's built from myriad influences, be they Heavy Rock, Hip Hop, Electronica or 80s Pop. Two years ago he launched his own studio ? Stand Alone Productions ? and has since diversified, writing music for TV and film, as well as producing 5.1 sound for DVD.

But no matter how proficient you are at getting a great sound, ask anyone in the recording business and they'll tell you that some processes could easily be refined. And Gareth is no different, although luckily for him sE Electronics are at hand with some unique solutions ? namely the GM10 [guitar condenser mic with boom], the Reflexion Filter and the Gemini [dual-valve microphone].

“I'm often recording acoustic guitars, and let's be totally honest here ? it's a pain! Guitarists ? myself included ? move around a lot, so getting a consistent level and tone can be tricky. But the GM10 boom clips onto the body of the guitar itself, so the guitarist could be jumping around the room or even standing on their head and the mic stays in place ? positioned in the right place on the guitar body. And it gives a full, rich tone. You know, I really wasn't sure what results I'd get with the GM10, but I was totally shocked by how good it sounds. It'll make a cheap guitar sound expensive and an expensive one sound even better!”

“Because I work on such a diverse range of projects I travel around a lot and record in different locations, so sE's Reflexion Filter is an essential for me. It makes doing vocals in the control room a reality, and it also means that I'm guaranteed a useful recording environment whenever I hit the road with my portable recording set-up.”

For Gareth such flexibility simplifies the recording process, as does having the right tools for the most important aspect of the recording chain ? audio capture. “The Gemini became my favourite vocal mic from the day I plugged it in,” Gareth explains.

“It's simply hands-down the best mic in my collection for many jobs around the studio, especially vocals. It's warm, crisp and clear and seems to add more detail than anything I'd used previously. It seems to make vocals sound fatter! And the results need less processing because Gemini captures all of the nuances from a performance. That also makes it a great choice as a room mic in the drum room, or for miking up guitar cabinets too. It used to be a secret weapon, but these days the Gemini is sneaking its way into all sorts of places!”

“Ultimately sE gear is stress free. There's enough to worry about when you're in session, but I know that sE gear will give me the results I want without having to work really hard to get the best out of it. And if I'm worrying less about results I can relax more in the studio.”

Sugababes producer Bob Bradley relies on sE mics and Reflexion Filter to deliver great results, every time…

Bob Bradley has spent 20 years in the music business ? not bad for a man of 30! But touring the world and putting out his own albums have taken a back seat while he produces some of the biggest names in the pop world, namely Sugababes, Girls Aloud and Natalie Imbruglia.

And when he's not riding the faders in his Leeds studio he's busy scoring music for the BBC and Discovery channels. But no matter what the project, Bob insists on using sE products to get the best results he can.

“I use sE's Gemini [dual-valve mic] for pretty much all my vocals and voice recording now. In fact, I have it set up here full time, just ready to roll. The combination of that and the Reflexion Filter has made a lot of my other mics redundant. The Reflexion Filter is a great idea that was well overdue ? it's a fantastic tool, and even in an expensive vocal booth it will still be a great benefit. I also record a lot of brass, and after experimenting with the Gemini it's now got the job full time!”

“Obviously the performance is the most important part of the recording process, but you need to know that you have captured that performance as accurately as possible. A good all-round mic is essential and I am happy to say that the Gemini is now my workhorse.”

“We have an upright Steinway at the studio, and for that I always choose the sE3s because they're just so warm. But that warmth also makes them ideal for strings, acoustic guitars, mandolins… the list goes on!”

But it's not just in the studio that Bob relies on sE, favouring the USB-powered USB2200a wherever his travels take him.

“I recently acquired a USB2200a mic that came with me and my laptop on a writing and recording expedition to the Middle East. It was a godsend! I could just plug it into my laptop for quick ideas and I ended up recording half an albums worth of vocals with it.”

“The USB2200a is a very transparent microphone, which is exactly what you need for field recording. Plus it comes with a very useful headphone socket on the back with its own volume control, making it great for zero-latency monitoring. Simple and effective. Oh, and it's well built too, which makes it handy for travelling with. It's another great idea that sE have taken to a professional level.”

Peter Miles is a rising star of the rock, punk, metal and hardcore scenes, and has been producing an incredible number of bands over the last couple of years. For each and every one, there is one brand that Peter returns to again and again… sE!

“I'm not a gear snob at all,” so says Peter Miles, the latest talent on the metal and rock production scene. “I choose my equipment by its performance in the studio, not by its price tag or badge. sE mics have consistently out-performed the competition in my tests, regardless of price, so I'm happy to stick by them.”

You can't say fairer than that, and Peter certainly has the experience to back up these words having worked with countless bands and acts including Sonic Boom Six, Howards Alias, The King Blues, Vallenbrosa and Your Demise. “I specialize in heavy guitar-based music most of the time,” he says, “working with rock, punk, metal and hardcore bands. I always focus on the band/artist, the songs, their sound and their strengths before I even think about mics and compressors. But I know my gear well and I know that if it sounds right in the room, it'll sound great on record as I can rely on my equipment.”

And a lot of that equipment has the sE logo on it, including a Gemini , a pair of Z5600a , an ICIS , a pair of SE3s and a Reflexion Filter . “I was aware of the sE brand,” says Peter, “but it wasn't until I acquired an original Gemini in a trade that I realized how good their mics are. I now use a Gemini as my main vocal mic. The z5600as are mainly used as drum overheads, the ICIS for vocals or guitars and the SE3s are generally used for hi-hats, ride miking or overheads.”

“My z5600as have really improved my drum sound. They give me so much more depth and sparkle than the previous big name condensers I had. I've often found myself raising the height of the overheads to take advantage of the clarity the mics offer.”

“The Gemini is a really impressive mic,” Peter continues. “It conveys such intimacy with just the right amount of warmth and brightness. The ICIS seems to be it's perfect partner as well. It has a smoother, rounder feeling and has really worked for several female singers. And the SE3s are incredible workhorse mics, they seem to work in almost any situation and they are so well priced!”

Peter then recounts a story that sums up his thoughts on sE mics: “One female artist I worked with brought her own Neumann with her and initially insisted on using it on the record. I convinced her to try out a few of my mics and after a blind testing with the whole band, we decided that the sE ISIS was by far best for her voice and they were all stunned to find out that it costs well under half the price of the Neumann!”

And as to the future, it looks like Peter is going to be busier than ever with his sE gear. “I've got some exciting projects coming up,” he confirms. “As well as setting up a new studio in Devon, several bands that I worked with are returning to record their second albums with me in 2008. Failsafe are an awesome rock band who combine the power and energy of some of the hardest hitting punk bands with a strong sense of melody. London reggae/folk band The King Blues are returning to work on their second album for Island Records. Then there's Pickled Dick! They are straight up pop punk in the vein of Greenday and really are one of the best pop/rock bands I've come across with some of the catchiest songs ever penned! I'll also be working with UK metal band Vallenbrosa on their second album, fresh from a tour supporting metal legends Sepultura.”

Rob Harris has played guitar with some big names including Kylie Minogue and Beverley Knight and now plays with Jamiroquai. He's also been pushing sE's Reflexion Filter to its limits, with some great results…

Rob Harris has been busy since 2000, touring, writing and recording with Jamiroquai. He has worked on the band's The Funk Odyssey, last year's Dynamite and the recently released High Times singles collection.

As part of his latest studio set-up, Rob decided to stock up on mics including an sE Z5600a , but it was another sE product, the Relexion Filter that has become even more useful…

“I'd seen lots of good reviews and articles on both the mic and the Reflexion Filter,” he says. “The Filter is a great idea, so simple but useful. It gets used whenever I get to work in my own studio on vocals, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, percussion, hi-hat overdubs and so on.”

“The Reflexion Filter is so useful if you're working in a less than perfect sounding room, keeping down any unwanted room colouration. It's great in that it's portable and can be used in different situations for different instruments too. I've taken it out on vocal sessions at other home based studios, getting results to match my own recordings.”

“These days I also get asked to do sessions over the net, so I get tracks sent to me as stems. I then record at home and send the files back. In this situation I can't be sending parts back that have been recorded badly i.e. ambient, boxy acoustic guitars, so the Reflexion Filter is a godsend to have.”

“It simply means I can record knowing I can trust what I'm hearing back a lot more. We don't all have the luxury of an acoustically treated room to track in these days, but now we're getting closer to getting the same results.”

“Well done sE! I wish I'd thought of it first, as do many others I guess!”

As for the future, there's a new Jamiroquai album to look forward to…

“Yes, hopefully Jamiroquai will get back in the studio mid way through next year,” reveals Rob, “but between now and then I'm going to be working on some music with a couple of guys from the band just for fun. I'll also be doing some sessions for other artists and I'll be working with a few other singer/songwriters at my place too.”

“I've also recently managed to fit a funky old drum kit in my room so I can't wait to put the Z5600a to more use!”