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sage Electronics SE-BB1

Pricing & Availability

  • MSRP: C$579

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Reviews & News

SE-BB1 Documentation

Omnidirectionalsage Electronics SE-BB1

Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone

The SE-BB1, aka Bova Ball, is a sort-of-omnidirectional electret condenser mic built in a 4'' sphere, mounted via brass yoke reminiscent of an antique globe.

The pickup pattern is described by the manufacturer as:

Omni at low frequencies gradually transitioning to directional with increasing frequency — ie: very graceful change from on-axis to off-axis pickup.

Frequency-dependent directionality comes as a result of the way sound flows around a sphere. The effect was first exploited by Neumann, in their legendary M 50. See the profile of the Neumann M50 for more detailed information.

Joel Hamilton

This mic really sounds great… Like a “more flattering” Earthworks TC30K, or a much, much more three-dimensional Stapes (Avenson Audio) Omni … I need to get another one of these mics because simply put, it sounds stunningly good.

The mics are wired and assembled by hand in Canada, and carry a 1-year warranty. MSRP is CDN $579, about US $560 as of this writing.

The mic’s quasi-omnidirectional pickup pattern works well for unconventional stereo techniques; the result is so realistic you can practically see the sounds:
Phillip Victor Bova, modeling the Bova Ball microphones

The sage Electronics SE-BB1 is also known as: bova ball.

The mic was released in 2003.

Specifications

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
Omnidirectional (n/a mV/Pa; n/a)
Capsule Dimensions Impedance SPL/Noise
Diameter n/a
100 Ohms (Low) Max SPL: 140 dB
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
907g (31.99oz) 102mm (4.02'') 102mm (4.02'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Requires phantom power
  • Phantom voltage: 48v

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