sE Electronics Voodoo VR2 Active Ribbon Mic

The sE Electronics Voodoo VR2 goes where few ribbon mics have gone before—quite literally. Designed in-house by classical musician and sE CEO Siwei Zou using next-gen active electronics, the VR2 boasts high output, high SPL handling and an incredible frequency response that delivers stunning clarity across the full sound spectrum. With its ultra-thin hand-tensioned ribbon, this active ribbon mic showcases an open and natural sound that was engineered to render vocals, woodwinds and acoustic instruments in gorgeous detail. However, it’s robust enough to stand up to everything from overdriven guitar cabinets to pummeling drums. And coming in at a cost that’s roughly half the price of ribbon mics with similar performance specifications, the VR2 is sure to be a versatile and valuable addition to any studio.

Extended Frequency Response for Stunning High End

While ribbon mics are well-known for their characteristic high-frequency roll-off, the VR2 boasts a ruler-flat frequency response from 20Hz–18kHz—an impressive range for a microphone in its class. In short, the VR2 combines the responsiveness of a condenser with that sought-after ribbon smoothness. Hand-built by highly specialized technicians in sE’s capsule room, the VR2’s 2.5-micron aluminum ribbon delivers stunning high-end detail in a way that few ribbon microphones can. The result is a sound that is incredibly clear and natural—warm yet articulate, smooth yet bright. It’s that ideal mic that responds well to EQ but doesn’t need much—it captures everything from cranked guitar cabs to crashing cymbals with just the right amount of bite.

Next-Gen Active Electronics Offer Superb Clarity

While ultra-quiet sources are traditionally a no-go for ribbon mics, the VR2’s advanced active electronics allow it to capture hushed sounds in pristine detail. The mic’s 48V phantom-powered active circuitry boosts its output significantly, providing 14dB more gain than the sE Electronics VR1 passive ribbon microphone. This translates to higher headroom, less noise, and ultimately cleaner recordings when working with low-volume sources like whispered vocals or softly strummed acoustics—all without the need for a specialized low-noise preamp. The VR2’s self-noise is further kept to a minimum through the mic’s all-metal construction, which rejects electrical interference, and a loss-free gold-plated XLR connector that ensures maximum signal integrity.

High SPL Handling for Capturing Any Source

From the quietest whisper to the fiercest roar of an overdriven amplifier, the sE Electronics Voodoo VR2 is versatile enough to faithfully capture any source. Along with ultra-quiet sound capture, the ribbon mic’s active electronics also allow it to handle extremely high sound pressure levels with ease. With a max SPL of 135dB, the VR2 excels when paired with loud sources like drums, electric guitars and brass ensembles, taming even the harshest sounds with its smooth response. And with its figure-8 polar pattern that effectively rejects off-axis noise, the VR2 is ideal for high-volume live scenarios, authentically preserving the intensity of the performance with minimal sound bleed.

A Rugged Build With Premium Accessories

In line with its progressive approach to ribbon mic technology, the VR2 features a bold, angular design that is both incredibly eye-catching and rugged. The mic’s active electronics are safely housed inside a solid all-metal chassis with a high-quality black matte finish designed with longevity in mind. For additional safekeeping, the VR2 arrives wrapped in a dust cover and encased in a sturdy, foam-padded wooden storage box. It comes with both a stand mount and a shockmount—the latter featuring an innovative and intuitive design that allows you to center your mic within the mount, use it flat against a drum head or guitar cab or angle it outwards to push through the inside of a kick.