MXL 960 Tube Condenser Microphone
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Review Snapshot®
by PowerReviewsMost Liked Positive Review
Great for the money!
I own several high end microphones. In my opinion even the most inexpensive "knock-off" has a place in my collection...simply because my belief has always been that there are no...Read complete review
I own several high end microphones. In my opinion even the most inexpensive "knock-off" has a place in my collection...simply because my belief has always been that there are no rules for recording. Sound quality is relative to the listener and I set this up next to 5 of my "prized possessions" that well exceeded the $5k range....simply because it's the only way to honestly reveal it's "weaknesses". While it certainly didn't have the detail of the AKG C-12 or the NEUMANN M149..It yielded a clarity an character of it's own. Might be good for "odd" applications..like the rear micing of a 2-12 combo...(VOX AC-30/FENDER TWIN) which is fine by me. I would have no problem using it for vocals, too. It depends on the singer and the source as usual. Some of my favorite albums are terrible recordings. As for the internal construction...it looks like an electronics course kit. The wire gauges are like angel hair....thin circuit boards...and all of the other "cost-cutting "goodies to expect. Also.. changing the tube isn't a very user friendly experience to say the least. Overall...for the money...it is quiet...it is clear...and it is a great value for $199(when I bought it) If it craps out in 3 years...just buy another!-Hope this helps-
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Changed my mind-Wouldn't buy it again!
This is my 2ND REVIEW on this Mic! Tube-Swapping is easy. Tone is fairly good when placed Off-Axis from any sound source. Not even a year old and it starts having Static Noises and...Read complete review
This is my 2ND REVIEW on this Mic! Tube-Swapping is easy. Tone is fairly good when placed Off-Axis from any sound source. Not even a year old and it starts having Static Noises and Low Rumbling Sounds for NO REASON. If not for the noises, I'd say "Sure, buy a few".
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Reviewed by 22 customers
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Pros
- Easy To Use
- Tube Tone
- Versatile
Cons
- Not Long-lasting
- Static Noises
- Unreliable
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
Comments about MXL 960 Tube Condenser Microphone:
This is my 2ND REVIEW on this Mic! Tube-Swapping is easy. Tone is fairly good when placed Off-Axis from any sound source. Not even a year old and it starts having Static Noises and Low Rumbling Sounds for NO REASON. If not for the noises, I'd say "Sure, buy a few".
Pros
- Clear Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Drum overheads
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about MXL 960 Tube Condenser Microphone:
I bought 2 of these .. retubed them with some NOS RCA 12at7's and put them to work as Drum Overheads. They gave my drums an open and airy feel with great off axis rejection .. The Cymbals are crisp and Creamy .. Just right ... When Recording I love Large Diaphragm Tube Condensers as drum overheads .. these are inexpensive and really do the job great ..
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Easy To Use
- Inexpensive Tube Mic
Cons
- You have to Retube them
Best Uses
- Drum overheads
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about MXL 960 Tube Condenser Microphone:
I Love these Mics .. I have a huge collection of mics in my studio but I find that I go to these for Drum Overheads .. All you need to do is retube them with some NOS tubes and you have a really great mic for drums! One of the best kept secrets.
Comments about MXL 960 Tube Condenser Microphone:
If you like that good old "Tube Warmth" sound in your recordings, then I suggest this package!
I run mine through the Art-2 Tube Preamp into a Yamaha MD4s (yes, Mini Disc in 2011!) with great results.
A db cut Switch would have been nice, but still, changing out the Internal Tube can deliver different sounds.
Whether you need to mic Drums, Acoustic guitar, Vocals, etc., this thing really captures detail. It has a slight boost around the 10Khz region, which gives your tracks some sparkle. If you don't need those highs, then a simple reposition of the mic can usually clear that up. A very quiet mic. Experiment, and you'll be amazed!
My Wife and I are grateful for such a package as this. It's truly an amazing value to us!
Comments about MXL 960 Tube Condenser Microphone:
I own several high end microphones. In my opinion even the most inexpensive "knock-off" has a place in my collection...simply because my belief has always been that there are no rules for recording. Sound quality is relative to the listener and I set this up next to 5 of my "prized possessions" that well exceeded the $5k range....simply because it's the only way to honestly reveal it's "weaknesses". While it certainly didn't have the detail of the AKG C-12 or the NEUMANN M149..It yielded a clarity an character of it's own. Might be good for "odd" applications..like the rear micing of a 2-12 combo...(VOX AC-30/FENDER TWIN) which is fine by me. I would have no problem using it for vocals, too. It depends on the singer and the source as usual. Some of my favorite albums are terrible recordings. As for the internal construction...it looks like an electronics course kit. The wire gauges are like angel hair....thin circuit boards...and all of the other "cost-cutting "goodies to expect. Also.. changing the tube isn't a very user friendly experience to say the least. Overall...for the money...it is quiet...it is clear...and it is a great value for $199(when I bought it) If it craps out in 3 years...just buy another!-Hope this helps-
Comments about MXL 960 Tube Condenser Microphone:
This mike is a true Miracle,At $200 bucks.I just purchased a second one.The Secret of a good Tube mike is this.Moisture is the Arch enemy of condensor mikes.The diaghprahm easily picks up moisture and the mike gets noisy as hell. The tube acts like a "little Heater" and keeps the mike nice and dry. I have a trebly voice but when i record with the 960 my voice sounds full, and not so harsh. Further, the power supply gives me more signal to my V S 2480 24 track.Thankyou M X L for a great product!!!
Comments about MXL 960 Tube Condenser Microphone:
I have two of these. I use them for everything, especially male vocals, drum overheads and kick. They make cymbals sound gritty and warm and makes them sit extremely well in a mix. Put on of these outside your kick drum and it will sound fatter than a pregnant whale! Keep it away from the hole though. I've swapped out the tubes to Mullards from the beginning and haven't looked back. Male vocals are warm and crispy. Key words for this mic: warm, crispy, fat.
Comments about MXL 960 Tube Condenser Microphone:
I've worked in Broadcast Television for over 30 years and am currently the Production Manager for one of the largest television groups in the US and Canada. Recently I was asked to outfit all of our stations with an all-around microphone that would serve as the go-to voice over mic for every commercial client and news personality. After reviewing many, many condensers, I chose the MXL 960 for it's consistent excellence in voice color--yes color--every voice, every personality --male or female--is presented with an outstanding presence that dominates the mix thus dominating the airwaves. Clients are always commenting on how great they sound on the 960. Voiceover people are always asking for my recommendation for a microphone to use in their home studios--something that will make them sound their very best in an audition or demo--well, here you go kids--two hundred bucks and you're in the running--Professionally.
Comments about MXL 960 Tube Condenser Microphone:
Had trouble getting a good sound on acoustic bass, I tried a 414, re20, sanken42r, and some cheaper ones.. I tried my friends mxl 960 figuring I might as well... I used a UA LA-610 pre and it sounded really good. Barley needed any EQ at all... very little compression. I sounded natural with just a little punch to the attack. Great mic, cheap as it gets.
Comments about MXL 960 Tube Condenser Microphone:
This is a first rate mic. It sounded very good stock, but with a NOS Mullard rolled in it became one of my favorites (and I've got more than a few mics). As a Cardioid LDC, it doesn't offer many bells & whistles, but it doesn't need to... it just sounds good. Well, it would be nice if it at least came with a shock mount. Nice hot output, though.Buy it and you're smart. Snatch it on sale and you're a genius.
