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SE Electronics Gemini II

Cardioid Tube Condenser Microphone

The Gemini II is the second edition of sE’s popular Gemini dual-tube microphone. Like the original, it uses a second dual-triode tube on the output circuit, where most mics would use a transformer or a transistor-based “transformerless” circuit.

The differences between the original and the II include:

• The II has an onboard switchable -10dB pad.
• The II has a switchable high-pass filter (@ 100Hz).
• The shockmount has been improved.
• The power supply has been upgraded.
• Noise reduced from 16dBA (Gemini) to 12dBA (Gemini II).

The Gemini II is no smaller than the original — at 80mm in diameter and 230mm tall, it’s among the largest mics we’ve seen. Its 1200g (2.6 lbs) weight will challenge inferior mic stands.

As in the Gemini, the two tubes in the II are a 12AX7/ECC83 on the input stage (capsule preamplification) and a 12AU7/ECC82 on the output (impedance conversion). Both are dual-triode tubes and are installed in sockets, easing repair/upgrades. Because the second tube is handling impedance conversion, there is no transformer in the circuit.

The amplifier circuit is built on a pair of densely-populated PCBs, using through-hole components. Switches on the mic body provide access to the aforementioned -10dB pad and high-pass filter.

The mic ships with a wooden storage case, a shockmount, the dedicated power supply, a power cable, and an aluminum flight case.

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Specifications

Frequency Response - CardioidClick Graph to Compare!

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Cardioid (12.6 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)	Pad: -10dB (Via Switch) Filter: HPF @ 100Hz (Via Switch)

Capsule Dimensions	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 27mm	200 Ohms (Low)	Max SPL: 135 dB Self-noise: 12.0 dB(A)

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
1200g (42.33oz)	230mm (9.06'')	80mm (3.15'')	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications
Includes tube power supply

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