MXL Mics - Which models are good? - Page 8 - Gearslutz.com

Gearslutz.com

All Advertisers
Go Back   Gearslutz.com > The Forums > Low End Theory


MXL Mics - Which models are good?

New Reply New Reply Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old 26th June 2009   #211
Gear addict
 
rodreb's Avatar
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: Ohio
Posts: 373

Thread Starter
"Stupid Deal Of The Day" today @ Musicians Friend is MXL V63M for $49.95. I assume this is not a particularly good sounding mic since I never seem to hear anyone talking about it?
__________________
ROD
Imaginary Friend Recording

http://www.myspace.com/imaginaryfriendrecording
rodreb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26th June 2009   #212
3 + infractions, forum membership suspended.
 
Michael_Joly's Avatar
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Location: Cape Cod
Posts: 2,735

The V63 uses a standard, peaked high frequency response K67-type capsule inside a three-layer headbasket. The capsule feeds a flat-response Schoeps transformerless circuit. So its topology is incorrect (missing HF de-emphasis - see Stephen Paul's article for the details). In its stock form the V63 sounds simultaneously "edgy" (because the ceramic and electrolytic signal path capacitors mess with the boosted HF of the capsule) and "veiled" (because the three layer headbasket introduces standing wave coloration). But it is certainly worth $50 because of its upside potential.
Michael_Joly is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27th June 2009   #213
Project Code CL2465
 
Chris Lago's Avatar
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Location: Who lives?
Posts: 10,767

Quote:
Originally Posted by rodreb View Post
"Stupid Deal Of The Day" today @ Musicians Friend is MXL V63M for $49.95. I assume this is not a particularly good sounding mic since I never seem to hear anyone talking about it?
That's such a funny studio name. Who is your imaginary friend?
Chris Lago is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27th June 2009   #214
Gear addict
 
rodreb's Avatar
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: Ohio
Posts: 373

Thread Starter
Iam every local musician's Imaginary Friend!!
Actually, my Son came up with the name and I just kinda liked the "mystery" of it! HA HA!!
rodreb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27th June 2009   #215
Project Code CL2465
 
Chris Lago's Avatar
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Location: Who lives?
Posts: 10,767

That's funny, well it's very original.
Chris Lago is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28th June 2009   #216
Project Code CL2465
 
Chris Lago's Avatar
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Location: Who lives?
Posts: 10,767

The MXL 603 are definitely a great choice for toms, and Michael Joly mods them I think, which makes them compete with the Neumann SDC mics.
Chris Lago is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4th July 2009   #217
Gear maniac
 
metalfan8806's Avatar
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 245

V67 all the way.
metalfan8806 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4th July 2009   #218
3 + infractions, forum membership suspended.
 
Michael_Joly's Avatar
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Location: Cape Cod
Posts: 2,735

The MXL V63 is $69.99 today at MF. Probably the least expensive LDC that is usable stock and worth upgrading. Standard K67-type capsule driving the Schoeps-type transformerless circuit.
Michael_Joly is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4th July 2009   #219
Gear addict
 
rodreb's Avatar
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: Ohio
Posts: 373

Thread Starter
Michael,

The mic on sale today is actually the V63M and the website lists the V69 as an LDC tube mic
rodreb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4th July 2009   #220
3 + infractions, forum membership suspended.
 
Michael_Joly's Avatar
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Location: Cape Cod
Posts: 2,735

oops, my bad. I corrected my typo above. thanks!
Michael_Joly is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4th July 2009   #221
Lives for gear
 
memphisindie's Avatar
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Location: Memphis TN
Posts: 3,961

Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael_Joly View Post
The MXL V63 is $69.99 today at MF. Probably the least expensive LDC that is usable stock and worth upgrading. Standard K67-type capsule driving the Schoeps-type transformerless circuit.
Hey there Mr. up early! Is the V63M basically the same as the MCA SP1 with the k67 capsule instead of the smaller capsule from the 603?
__________________
I think I just ran past myself.
http://www.memphisindie.com

I won't use pitch correcting software. I use "coaching" maybe you've heard of it. It keeps working even when you don't have it on.
memphisindie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4th July 2009   #222
3 + infractions, forum membership suspended.
 
Michael_Joly's Avatar
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Location: Cape Cod
Posts: 2,735

Yep. Though I can't remember which mic has three grille layers and which has two..or if they both have three.
Michael_Joly is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5th July 2009   #223
Lives for gear
 
memphisindie's Avatar
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Location: Memphis TN
Posts: 3,961

I'm so tempted and so broke. Ha ha.
memphisindie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5th July 2009   #224
Gear addict
 
vonrichter's Avatar
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Location: California
Posts: 469

Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael_Joly View Post
The MXL V63 is $69.99 today at MF. Probably the least expensive LDC that is usable stock and worth upgrading. Standard K67-type capsule driving the Schoeps-type transformerless circuit.
Any comparison recordings available between the stock and modded MXL V63M?
vonrichter is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6th July 2009   #225
Gear interested
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 12

has any body something to say about the mxl 2006? I`m considering trading it for a sm57....
nightspirit is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7th July 2009   #226
3 + infractions, forum membership suspended.
 
Michael_Joly's Avatar
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Location: Cape Cod
Posts: 2,735

The MXL 2006 is an exceptionally bright and thin-sounding mic (graph below). A trade for an SM57 would be a smart move toward a more versatile and better sounding mic.

re: V63 - I haven't had a chance to post before / after mod clips for that model.
Attached Thumbnails
MXL Mics - Which models are good?-mxl-2006-response.gif  
Michael_Joly is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7th July 2009   #227
Gear interested
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 12

thanks
nightspirit is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30th July 2009   #228
Lives for gear
 
kidvybes's Avatar
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Location: Banana Republic
Posts: 2,355

...MXL V77 tube mic...MXL's best!

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/gears...phone-nib.html
__________________
reggae souljah

"It was only four tracks on the machine, but I was picking up twenty from the extra terrestrial squad."
LEE 'SCRATCH' PERRY
kidvybes is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31st July 2009   #229
Lives for gear
 
MadGuitrst's Avatar
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Location: regional man of mystery
Posts: 1,021

Send a message via AIM to MadGuitrst
Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael_Joly View Post
Yep. Though I can't remember which mic has three grille layers and which has two..or if they both have three.
The V63M has three layers....not sure about the other.
MadGuitrst is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31st July 2009   #230
Lives for gear
 
rty5150's Avatar
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: LR,AR
Posts: 2,808

just did a inner mesh removal across the board on all my mxl mics.
v67
v67i
2x v69

swapped a tube in a v69 to a EH 12at7 and swapped grills around on my black v67 to a gold one from the v69. looks killer, sounds killer.

i totally recommend removing the mesh and having a pair of v69's with different tubes around. the subtleties make them worth it!
__________________
rich

rty5150 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31st July 2009   #231
Gear nut
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 123

Quote:
Originally Posted by rty5150 View Post
swapped a tube in a v69 to a EH 12at7 and swapped grills around on my black v67 to a gold one from the v69. looks killer, sounds killer.
Sounds great man! Any pics of all that eye candy? Also, how hard was it removing the inner layer mesh?
__________________
"Then I realized da plan, I'm trapped in a deadly video game...with just one man!" - Da 'GZA' Genius
Poorbutrich is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31st July 2009   #232
Lives for gear
 
rty5150's Avatar
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: LR,AR
Posts: 2,808

Quote:
Originally Posted by Poorbutrich View Post
Sounds great man! Any pics of all that eye candy? Also, how hard was it removing the inner layer mesh?
no pics, yet. it was pretty easy. just a pair of needle nose pliers, some small diagonal cutters, and a small flat head technician's screwdriver to get the mesh started.
a few issues came up, though. the v67 black grill has a gold ring between the body and grill that is unused when going to the v69. the body tube of the v67's are fatter than the v69 by a hair. the gold ring can't be used on the v67 either as it spaced the bottom retainer too far away from the threads.
otherwise, cool as sheeeeet!!!!
rty5150 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31st July 2009   #233
Lives for gear
 
memphisindie's Avatar
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Location: Memphis TN
Posts: 3,961

Quote:
Originally Posted by rty5150 View Post
just did a inner mesh removal across the board on all my mxl mics.
v67
v67i
2x v69

swapped a tube in a v69 to a EH 12at7 and swapped grills around on my black v67 to a gold one from the v69. looks killer, sounds killer.

i totally recommend removing the mesh and having a pair of v69's with different tubes around. the subtleties make them worth it!
yer gonna have to show up and compare.........

try some 100% silicone calk to snug it up.
memphisindie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31st July 2009   #234
Lives for gear
 
rty5150's Avatar
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: LR,AR
Posts: 2,808

Quote:
Originally Posted by memphisindie View Post
yer gonna have to show up and compare.........

try some 100% silicone calk to snug it up.
it's totally snug on the v67, you just have to omit the gold ring. also, the guide groove on the v69 head is too far recessed for the v67 black so you have to eyeball it to center the body tube with the head grill. ends up looking like a v69 junior.
the v69 all black looks like a ma-201 long body. btw, the black head is not as tall as the gold. just about 1/8-3/16" less. really low profile.

all are cold pimping.
rty5150 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10th August 2009   #235
Gear maniac
 
Vintageblue02's Avatar
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 238

Cool

Quote:
Originally Posted by rodreb View Post
Thanks for the replies so far.

Anyone know anything about the V63m?

Or any of their stereo mics? Or any of the $99 or under MXL's, really?

MXL 990
-Great Kick drum sound when used on the front head
MXL V67g
-Great Kick drum sound when used on the front head, also good as OH
-Great on vocals (male/female) cheapest "tube" emulating mic I've seen
-Great on acoustic guitar either mono or as a bridge/body mic
MXL R44/R144
-Amazing as a room mic: drums, piano, strings, guitar, etc.
-Also fares well on acoustic instruments, and vocals
Vintageblue02 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11th August 2009   #236
Gear addict
 
rodreb's Avatar
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: Ohio
Posts: 373

Thread Starter
I recently picked up 2 V67G's that are doing a great job on overheads. Which cheaper MXLs would you all suggest to fill out the rest of the drum kit chores? Toms, kick and snare.
rodreb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24th August 2009   #237
JDM
Gear maniac
 
JDM's Avatar
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 191

Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael_Joly View Post
To the original poster's question here's what I like and what I don't...

The Good -

MXL 603 - pretty good stock, sounds like the KM 184's twin once modified.

MXL 2001 - Decent enough capsule for Dave Royer to use this mic for his "Barstow / Berlin" article. Cheap Chinese transformer degrades performance (assorted spitty distortion) but does provide an after-market upgrade path.

MXL V63 - Has a 6 micron capsule and is not as zingy as most Chinese LDCs. Transformerless. Headbasket and signal path mods clean this up. Remains a bit bright and lightweight even when mod'd.

MXL 2003 - Very flat response capsule, quite unusual for a Chinese LDC. Transformerless so it needs the usual capsule-to-FET capacitor upgrade and a few other signal path tweaks. A very clean and balanced FET / transformerless sound is possible with this mic.

MXL V67g - The real winner - nearly flat response capsule, transformer output. Combined with some signal path tweaks this a very nice mic with good body and transformer-coupled "heft".

The Bad -

MXL V69 - spitty, spike-in-the-head HF peak with stock capsule and electronics. Just not cost effective to solve all its problems.

For other LDC cheapies I like the Nady SCM 900 because its only $60. Has a poor capsule and transformer, but makes a cheap platform for a complete capsule / circuit / transformer overall.
I just bought the V67g, V63, a pair of the 603's, Nady RSM-4, and Apex 205 due to you and Harvey's repuatations alone. I got all of these on the cheap, so you can expect some mods coming your way. I will probably start with the 205 and V67g. I will already be sending you my V69me Friday. I am very excited to hear that mic after the mod. I don't hate it as is, but it definitely has a sizzle that grows irritating. I also noticed a spitty "break up" sound whilst doing high harmony parts.
JDM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24th August 2009   #238
3 + infractions, forum membership suspended.
 
Michael_Joly's Avatar
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Location: Cape Cod
Posts: 2,735

Quote:
Originally Posted by JDM View Post
I just bought the V67g, V63, a pair of the 603's, Nady RSM-4, and Apex 205 due to you and Harvey's repuatations alone. I got all of these on the cheap, so you can expect some mods coming your way. I will probably start with the 205 and V67g. I will already be sending you my V69me Friday. I am very excited to hear that mic after the mod. I don't hate it as is, but it definitely has a sizzle that grows irritating. I also noticed a spitty "break up" sound whilst doing high harmony parts.
Thanks for the vote of confidence! There is a modified V69 down at Clinton Recording in NYC being revieved by Michael Vecchio for The Deli magazine. Clinton Recording, the last "big room" studio on the East Coast has an amazing mic locker and Michael is really liking the modified V69.
Michael_Joly is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23rd September 2009   #239
Gear interested
 
Stylophone-D's Avatar
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 5

Used V67i

Hi folks!

Ok, here's a scenerio -

Current stable of mics consist of a dual-element stereo mic from Radio Shack, and an SM58, which heretofore has handled all vocal recording duty.

Other relevant detail - school tax is due; monstah, as usual.

I've been offered a used v67i for $100. Good deal for an incremental upgrade?
Stylophone-D is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23rd September 2009   #240
Lives for gear
 
memphisindie's Avatar
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Location: Memphis TN
Posts: 3,961

Nab it now.
memphisindie is offline   Reply With Quote
New Reply New Reply Submit Thread to Facebook Facebook  Submit Thread to Twitter Twitter  Submit Thread to LinkedIn LinkedIn 



Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread Thread starter Forum Replies Last Post
Anyone used MXL 770 or MXL v67g mics? bkspitfire Low End Theory 10 13th February 2012 06:14 AM
Peluso Mics: All 6 Models Compared warhead So much gear, so little time! 83 12th August 2008 07:13 PM
USB Mics: MXL.006 vs. MXL.007 Fourth Quarter So much gear, so little time! 3 10th March 2008 02:32 AM
UAD-1 are the models REALLY any good? stevetgn High end 35 17th August 2007 07:54 PM


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:30 PM.

Home - Search Forum - Contact Us - Terms Of Use - Advertise on Gearslutz - All Advertisers - Archive - Top
 
 
Powered by vBulletin®
Gearslutz.com LTD - UK Company Number 7597610.
Registered Office - 35 Ballards Lane, London, N3 1XW.
Hosted by Nimbus Hosting.

SEO by vBSEO ©2010, Crawlability, Inc.