MXL Mics - Which models are good?

[hognogger]

I've just had a proper listen to the samples of the modded 319 and V67...

They do both share a full-bodied sound. Other than that, they do sound quite different, to me anyway.

The V67 sounds "gloss" to the 319's "sheen". The V67 does sound pretty clean and uncongested, compared to how I remember it from the past, so I'd say it is a significant upgrade. It also still sounds like a V67... :)

If I had to chose between them, for my purposes, I'd take the 319 by a significant margin. It does sound a bit more "boring" than the V67, but my guess would be that it is a lot more tweakable. Still, the V67 has a certain sound to it that I imagine would be quite useful in a lot of cases, but my guess would be that it is going to be less versatile than the 319. (I am very partial to the modded 319; it has been a great mic for me.)

In any case, that's just my take. I'm impressed with the changes made to the mic... this is an excellent service you are offering, Michael... I can imagine myself getting my V67 modded... certainly, if I did, I would actually use it, rather than having it gather dust in a cupboard.

[blaugruen7]

thanks michael for the files, very appreciated.
the oktava sounds much darker and with more thump from the lower register.
the v67g sounds in comparison like it has a hf bump which is not the case as far
as i can remember the frequency plot.
the oktava sounds like it has a hf roll off.
which mic sounds more like the source, can you tell this?

[Michael_Joly]

Thanks for listening, I appreciate your comments.

Yeah, I don't hear the modified V67g as a replacement for the 319, but rather as an upgrade for folks who own a V67, don't have an MK-319 but want classic FET / transformer-coupled sound.

The V67g is also a good mic for people who are in the market for a new LDC, have a very limited budget (it costs $100), want to avoid the overly-bright Chinese sound and also invest in a mic that can be improved down the road instead of tossed aside.

With the exception of the $180 MXL 2003 / 603 package (or a used Mk-219 / 319), I believe the V67g is a clearly superior alternative to most other LDC mics in its price class for these reasons.

[Michael_Joly]

Originally Posted by blaugruen7

the oktava sounds much darker and with more thump from the lower register. the v67g sounds in comparison like it has a hf bump which is not the case as far as i can remember the frequency plot. the oktava sounds like it has a hf roll off. which mic sounds more like the source, can you tell this?

The 319's capsule response more closely matches that of the Neumann K47 capsule rather than the brighter K67-style capsule used in the V67g. So yes, there are some differences here. The 319 used in the tests above is my personal mic and is exceptionally flat out to 16kHz, no roll-off. I suspect you're hearing the rise of the V67g's K67-style capsule.

Which mic sounds more like the source? Neither ; )
They're both LDCs and lend a larger-than-life euphonic quality to the source.

[hognogger]

Originally Posted by Michael_Joly

Yeah, I don't hear the modified V67g as a replacement for the 319, but rather as an upgrade for folks who own a V67, don't have an MK-319 but want classic FET / transformer-coupled sound.

I wasn't criticising the sound, as I'm sure you realise.

Fact is, although I prefer the modded 319, I still think the V67 will be better for some things, so from my perspective, getting my V67 modded would be a definite win.

Compare that with my current situation, where I really don't use it at all, and yet, for a modest outlay I could get a "new", quite decent mic.

[blaugruen7]

thanks michael,
cant await it until my v67g arrives.

[kojak]

Originally Posted by kidvybes

...consider modding that V77 with a proper tube socket and a NOS GE/RCA 6072/6072A tube and you'll make the best of one of MXL's finest mics...I have 2 such modded V77s and they readily "eat" my NT2, no problem...actually hold up well against my Mojave MA200, a very respected tube LDC...simple solder skills are all that's required...

yeah i heard that mod's pretty simple, and makes a good mic into a great mic...it'll have to wait as i'm hittin the high seas till august, but when i get back i will definitely look into it...cheers

[Michael_Joly]

Mod Detail: Bass response improvement -

All analog systems exhibit phase shift at their cut-off frequencies. So one of my modification strategies is to lower the system cut-off frequency found in microphones. A very low cut-off improves the amplitude and phase response of bass notes in the audible range because filter effects are shifted to a lower frequency than the bass program material being recorded. Bass has more impact as a result.

Here is a stock MXL V67g and OktavaMod MXL V67g used to record a bass-rich Udu drum. The same sort of improvement would be heard on kick drum, toms or bass string plucks.

SOUND SAMPLE: V67g Stock, Udu drum

SOUND SAMPLE: OktavaMod V67g, Udu drum

[jrogmusc]

603s is a great secret weapon mic.

[Kronos147]

Originally Posted by kidvybes

...IMHO the best mic of all the MXL models...a rare gem in a sea of "just misses"...

...just saw this one on the bay:
Marshall MXL V77 V77s Mic microphone kit V 77 - eBay (item 320334303501 end time Jan-28-09 08:12:00 PST)

Did you guys all fall asleep? I just snagged that baby at $200!

That is #3 v77 for me.

John Peluso has a mod for it too, using the P12 capsule.

Decisions, decisions....

[BudgetMC]

Ha! Congrats. I was watching it, but felt that cash was a bit tight to be buying any more mics right now.

Originally Posted by Kronos147

Did you guys all fall asleep? I just snagged that baby at $200!

That is #3 v77 for me.

John Peluso has a mod for it too, using the P12 capsule.

Decisions, decisions....

[Stevil]

despite their low price i was disappointed with all the MXL mic's i've picked up.
mxl 2001/603 pack & 2 of the mxl 991's
snagged em as cheap condensers to get me started recording drum OH. they all seemed kinda hollow, hissy, gritty & captured more air than tone, one of the 991's has a perpetual squeal now. Much happier with the CAD & AT mics i picked up since. currently considering the OktavaMod since they're collecting dust.

[memphisindie]

Originally Posted by Stevil

despite their low price i was disappointed with all the MXL mic's i've picked up.
mxl 2001/603 pack & 2 of the mxl 991's
snagged em as cheap condensers to get me started recording drum OH. they all seemed kinda hollow, hissy, gritty & captured more air than tone, one of the 991's has a perpetual squeal now. Much happier with the CAD & AT mics i picked up since. currently considering the OktavaMod since they're collecting dust.

Do it. You'll be glad you did.

[Stevil]

Originally Posted by memphisindie

Do it. You'll be glad you did.

it is w2 season.

[illacov]

Originally Posted by Michael_Joly

Mod Detail: Bass response improvement -

All analog systems exhibit phase shift at their cut-off frequencies. So one of my modification strategies is to lower the system cut-off frequency found in microphones. A very low cut-off improves the amplitude and phase response of bass notes in the audible range because filter effects are shifted to a lower frequency than the bass program material being recorded. Bass has more impact as a result.

Here is a stock MXL V67g and OktavaMod MXL V67g used to record a bass-rich Udu drum. The same sort of improvement would be heard on kick drum, toms or bass string plucks.

SOUND SAMPLE: V67g Stock, Udu drum

SOUND SAMPLE: OktavaMod V67g, Udu drum

Mike, do you suspect that changing the transformer out on the V67g would be of no benefit?

I noticed that you mentioned the mic is very flat and alot of those Chinese transformers really can add less than desirable artifacts to your recordings.

If the capsule is pretty flat, then wouldn't it be better to put something in there like a Jensen? Or for the budget slut a Nickel Core Edcor transformer?? The Jensen would probably be like 50 bucks, the Edcor would be like 20 bucks.

Did you for shits and giggles try swapping out the transformer? Just to see what the resulting sound was?? Maybe a Cinemag tranny??

So far I haven't regretted one transformer upgrade.

Peace
Illumination

[Michael_Joly]

In the specific case of the V67g, I did not find the expense of a new transformer & installation to offer a good return on the investment.

I went into my V67g modifications with the assumption that the transformer would have to be replaced. This was before I actually listened to and bench tested the transformer. But the first thing I did when upgrading the V67g was do a complete gain-stage evaluation - I wanted to see where distortion occurs first. Turns out the FET is the first stage that is pushed into soft clipping. This is good, sounds much better than if the bipolar transistor had hard clipped first. Once I determined the FET stage defined the headroom limitation of the mic I investigated the transformer.

On the bench I did frequency response, distortion (at normal and FET max levels) and phase response tests. I found the results to be entirely satisfactory - again, the FET stage set the headroom limit and HF phase shift way before the transformer affected these criteria.

Then I went and installed a Peluso transformer - sounded very nice also. But in this circuit, there was no measurable or audible improvement. So I decided the stock transformer offered an excellent value and re-installed it.

Its pretty well documented that a transformer swap in a tube mic like the Apex 460 is well worth the time and expense. But in the particular case of the FET V67g, the stock transformer does a nice job of doing what we like to hear with transformers.

[illacov]

Originally Posted by Michael_Joly

In the specific case of the V67g, I did not find the expense of a new transformer & installation to offer a good return on the investment.

I went into my V67g modifications with the assumption that the transformer would have to be replaced. This was before I actually listened to and bench tested the transformer. But the first thing I did when upgrading the V67g was do a complete gain-stage evaluation - I wanted to see where distortion occurs first. Turns out the FET is the first stage that is pushed into soft clipping. This is good, sounds much better than if the bipolar transistor had hard clipped first. Once I determined the FET stage defined the headroom limitation of the mic I investigated the transformer.

On the bench I did frequency response, distortion (at normal and FET max levels) and phase response tests. I found the results to be entirely satisfactory - again, the FET stage set the headroom limit and HF phase shift way before the transformer affected these criteria.

Then I went and installed a Peluso transformer - sounded very nice also. But in this circuit, there was no measurable or audible improvement. So I decided the stock transformer offered an excellent value and re-installed it.

Its pretty well documented that a transformer swap in a tube mic like the Apex 460 is well worth the time and expense. But in the particular case of the FET V67g, the stock transformer does a nice job of doing what we like to hear with transformers.

Thanks for the explanation.

I did indeed like the modded version of the V67G.

I own the V67i and while it is ok for some things, I find it gets wooly early on vocals and makes them sound cheap. This is the warm side (the v67g side I'm describing).

I'd always figured it was partially the transformers fault. But apparently its the FET. And the capsules. I never really modded it except for the grille, sounds fine on outer kick drum and guitar cabinets.



Peace
Illumination

[Michael_Joly]

Just got some drum OH sound files back from Alan Dossett.

Separate takes, slightly different mic positioning in each take (he's a monster drummer, not an engineer). So just ignore the stereo separation difference and concentrate on the bass extension, mid range impact and cymbal purity. Alan says the "Ultimate MXL 603 mod" kicks major booty.

SOUND FILE: Neumann KM-184 drum OH pair
SOUND FILE: OktavaMod "Ultimate MXL 603 Mod"

[Mark D.]

I did enjoy hearing the comparisons. They were as expected. Clearly if one insists on having only one mic (I was like that once) for a LDC - one must chose between mics. Myself, I found each would serve a purpose, the Oktava for more bright/siblant voices and the MXL for a voice needing more top end. That explains the size and variety of a mic collection you'll find at most large studios, or gear-obsessed collections.

I am also fascinated by the new varieties of mics offered by MXL that we will soon hear and hear about. And yes, every newer mic lacks the infamous 2001 high end 'super-bump'. It's refreshing to hear this opted for given the emerging i-Pod and in-ear-monitor generation said to show signs of high frequency loss and tinnitus well before the old stage-monitor, bigger headphones (ie. more low end, less highs) generation.

The 'gold' one appears to be their new FET flagship. The V89 appears to be a learning step too. The inference of better response based on design within the headbasket may have learned from Oktava Mod, as surely as the single mesh on the MXL 9090 (Musician's Friend version of the V67i) probably 'learned' from that too. I'm interested in hearing them. So thank God Musician's Friend has a return policy. I use it often.

[lerone]

Originally Posted by AdamJay

the M3 and V12 are great, versatile, and with a good preamp they sound like more than they cost.
can usually find them used for cheap

+1 of the M3 and a really good pre. One of my favourite mics at any price for acoustic geetar, hi hat and Britishy sounding, cut through the mix male vocals. I think this is because of the output stage on the mic. Made in the USA too. I've heard the V12 is great and also the V69 and the Genesis.

[toxostoma rufum]

So basically, most of the mics they're making these days are decent: M3, V6, V87,88,89, Genesis. I'm just thrilled that they're starting to make low-noise mics as I do voiceover work. The v87 looks like a good travel/remote mic, and I really like what I've heard of the Genesis (but I'm going to wait for the MXL 'Abacab' *rimshot*).

That's more than you can say about some mic companies.

[lerone]

Originally Posted by Michael_Joly

Just got some drum OH sound files back from Alan Dossett.

Separate takes, slightly different mic positioning in each take (he's a monster drummer, not an engineer). So just ignore the stereo separation difference and concentrate on the bass extension, mid range impact and cymbal purity. Alan says the "Ultimate MXL 603 mod" kicks major booty.

SOUND FILE: Neumann KM-184 drum OH pair
SOUND FILE: OktavaMod "Ultimate MXL 603 Mod"

This mod is brilliant!

[dickiefunk]

I'd love to check out all of the new MXL Mics :-

Genesis, v67i tube, v69xm, v89, v87, v67n and Gold 35.

New MXL Products

These new range looks really great!

I'm particularly interested in the new v89xm.

[DivineMusic]

id buy all the new mxl mics. i'll be getting a Genesis in a few weeks though

[BudgetMC]

Looks like MusicStudioDirect has the V89 in stock. MF expects to start shipping in late March... $399

Buy MXL V89 :: MXL Microphones at Music Studio Direct

[memphisindie]

I'd like 2 4000's and if the 993 has the same mount as the 603 I'd like 2 of those.

[memphisindie]

Originally Posted by BudgetMC

Looks like MusicStudioDirect has the V89 in stock. MF expects to start shipping in late March... $399

Buy MXL V89 :: MXL Microphones at Music Studio Direct

I just got an MF catalogue in the mail yesterday, looks like they have them all,
cheepy cheepy.

[Dave-H]

I have a pair of 2003's & a pair of 603's. I use the 2003's on toms alot & the 603's for overheads & High hat I am thinking of having the 603's Modded. I really like the 2003 on drums alot & certain vocals.

Dave Huffman

[Chris Lago]

If anyone of you has the Genesis mic, I'd like a sample. I'm still looking for a go-to mic since I am currently doing lots of vocal recording (I got some vocal contracts with producers). Generis or V69XM? I'd like to know which one would be best!

[DamnYankee]

Originally Posted by memphisindie

I have a V67 G and although I hated it when I got it, I used it on something that worked and it came out more often. My ex-partner loved it.
I'm modding the snot out of it now and I like it even better now. I've heard a lot of MIC GUYS badmouth the capsules, but, I think it's more the electronics, this of course till I finish working on it. I think heir electronics are pretty interesting circuits and I se what they are doing with them, they aren't bad as a start and are quite innovative.
I'd like to see a shootout with ADK, like circuits against each other, assuming there are any.

That's surprising. I own a fair collection of mics from EV RE-xx to Neumanns, and I found the V-67G a terrific vocal mic. I actually bought a second V-67G and they are the only asian mics I own.