MXL V6 Silicon valve - anyone has this mic?

[Arsene]

Hi,

I was wondering if any of you has or has used this mic. I was thinking about getting one, but I can't seem to find a local dealer here in the Netherlands who has these things demo-ready. So I was wondering if any of you had any experience with it?

I already own MXL's 990 and v67i, and really like their products.

How about the M3, which is also from the same Silicon valve series and supposedly built in the US as well... anyone know this mic?

Thanks!

[T.RayBullard]

Yes, dont let the name fool you..it is a PHENOMENAL woodwind mix(sax especially) and can work well on string bass, some vocals, and acoustic guitar....

I have all kinds of expensive mics, but wouldnt trade my v6 for anything.

[Kyle Ashley]

I mostly use mine on AC guitar. I like it quite a bit for that as my Taylor is a bit bright. I also have the V12which is brighter, more geared to vocals.

[uncle duncan]

Kyle - That's weird about the V6 being brighter. I auditioned both at the music store, with headphones on, and I found the V12 to be all rich and beefy and the V6 kinda midrangy. Perhaps it was the proximity affect? I bought the V12, and use it for vocals sometimes, but it's not a very detailed mic. Sounds kinda gnarly, but I guess that's what they were going for with their tube emulation circuit. Glad the V6 worked out for you. Now I'm going to have to take one home and give it a listen.

[Arsene]

thanks guys!

How about the M3 mic, how does that compare to the V6/v12?

Oh and yes, I will be using this mic mainly for vocals (male & female), ac guitar, and maybe some brass (most likely sax & trumpet).

As for el. guitar (cabinet) miking, I've always had good results with just one or two SM57s. How about the M3/V6/V12 as a room mic? Since I'm (always!) on a limited budget, I'm looking to get a versatile mic as possible...

[Acoustic Cloud]

is there 3 silicon valve series mics now!?

[tubedude]

I saw a bunch of new kind of wild looking MXL mics in the new Musicians Friend I got yesterday.

When are these cheap mics just going to get great? $10 more in parts and better capsule craftmanship and you have some great mics.

[Kyle Ashley]

Originally Posted by uncle duncan

Kyle - That's weird about the V6 being brighter. I auditioned both at the music store, with headphones on, and I found the V12 to be all rich and beefy and the V6 kinda midrangy. Perhaps it was the proximity affect? I bought the V12, and use it for vocals sometimes, but it's not a very detailed mic. Sounds kinda gnarly, but I guess that's what they were going for with their tube emulation circuit. Glad the V6 worked out for you. Now I'm going to have to take one home and give it a listen.

I know. We kinda discussed this in the V12 thread a few months ago. Probably just capsule differences and parts tolerances. I bet if you took 5 V6s, you would find them to all be a bit different.

I agree the V12 is a little gnarly sounding. I use it for scratch vocals and that's about it. It saves some wear and tear on my more $$ mics and saves me a bit of time from setting up a tube mic.

I've had great support from Scott at MXL and I think they have some cool and usable tools, but they continue to market more and more new models, many of which probably sound very similar.

[cramseur]

I like mine better than the MXL V69ME on vocals. I agree it is more midrangey, but in a good way that the V69 couldn't match. The V6 was also smoother, but did have less low end than the V69.

If forced to choose, the V6 would be the one I kept.

[Arsene]

Thanks everyone... I'm new to gearslutz, but already loving it!