sE Electronics has announced it will finally begin shipping the USB2200a studio condenser mic originally presented at Winter NAMM 2006. The USB2200a includes a 16-bit/48K record path and 24-bit/48K output via USB to a DAW, plus a switch to allow use with an XLR connection with phantom power.

The USB2200a is modeled after the sE Electronics 2200a. The original 2200a has a gold vacuum-plated diaphragm, touted as offering "low self generating noise and therefore a better signal to noise ratio." according to sE Electronics literature.

Features of the USB version include a 10db pad, bass cut, low latency headphone monitoring, with a mix control function which allows users to set playback versus record path levels. This feature is good for monitoring live recording.

Proprietary features round out the USB2200a, including a chip designed to remove noise and current spikes. sE Electronics claims this performance enhancement makes the mic appropriate for any professional use. Another proprietary chip in the USB2200a performs an auto-configuration plug-n-play function.

sE Electronics announced the mic at Winter NAMM 2006, but has only recently announced plans to begin retailing the USB2200a. It ships at the beginning of 2007, according an sE Electronics press release.