Microphone Capsules: Microflex, sE8 & RN17

Interchangeable capsules for modular wired microphone systems, dominated by two families: Shure Microflex R-series heads for gooseneck and overhead installation mics, and sE Electronics capsules for the sE8 pencil and Rupert Neve RN17 small-diaphragm ranges.

Compatibility is absolute here. An R-series capsule fits Microflex bodies only, and an RN17 capsule fits the RN17 preamp only, so confirm the host microphone before ordering. Within a family, choose by polar pattern: cardioid is the default for lecterns and general pickup, supercardioid tightens rejection where loudspeakers or other talkers sit close by, omnidirectional suits boundary and ambient duties, and the mini-shotgun R189 reaches further for ceiling and distant pickup. White and black versions of the Microflex heads let installed mics blend into the architecture. For stereo recording with sE8 or RN17 capsules, the factory matched pairs are worth specifying over two singles, since pairs are selected for sensitivity and frequency match.

Swapping capsules is also the cheap way to re-task an installed Microflex base when a room’s use changes, rather than replacing whole microphones.

Microphone Capsules FAQs

Do capsules cross between systems? No, compatibility is absolute. Microflex R-series heads fit Microflex bodies; sE capsules fit their sE8/RN17 ranges. Buy by system, then choose the polar pattern the room needs.

Why modular capsules at all? One installed body, swappable pickup patterns, a cardioid for the lectern, an omni for the ambient position, without rewiring anything.