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MXL 960 Tube Condenser Microphone 

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Have a Question? Call Our Experts: 888-410-7558 MXL 960 Tube Condenser Microphone  
  • MSRP:
    $399.99
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    - $200.00
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    $19999
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MXL

One of the quietest tube microphones available!

The MXL 960 Tube Condenser Mic will keep you productive reliably and affordably. Professional-quality, large-diaphragm 1" capsule, tube condenser microphone has an extremely wide dynamic range and a crisp, airy sonic character. Well suited to either analog or digital recording. 20Hz-20kHz. Cardioid pattern. 135dB max SPL. Equivalent noise: 13dB, A-weighted.
Requires phantom power.

Features

  • Professional-quality, large-diaphragm tube condenser
  • Cardioid pattern
  • Extremely quiet
  • Wide dynamic range
  • Crisp, airy vintage tube sonic characteristics
  • Frequency range: 20Hz-20kHz
  • 135dB max SPL
  • Equivalent noise: 20dB, A-weighted

Great mic at a great price. Order today and record like a pro!

960 Tube Condenser Microphone Specifications:

  • 25mm (1") large capsule condenser
  • Max SPL for 5%THD: 135dB
  • Sensitivity: 20 MV/pa
  • Output impedance: 200 ohms
  • Equivalent noise: 13dB (A-weighted IEC 268-4)
  • Weight: 1.75 lbs.
  • Tube type: 12AT7
Customer Reviews
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Review Snapshot®

by PowerReviews
MXL960 Tube Condenser Microphone
 
4.5

(based on 22 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (15)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (5)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (1)

67%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Most 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".

Reviewed by 22 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-10

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1.0

Changed my mind-Wouldn't buy it again!

By Stringmusiciantom

from Tupelo, MS

About Me Experienced

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".

Comment on this review

(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

 
4.0

Love these for drums

By Midnight Circus

from Buford Ga

About Me Professional Musician

Ask me a question

Verified Buyer

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 ..

    Comment on this review

    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    Great for Drum Overheads when you Retube

    By Midnight Circus

    from Buford Ga

    About Me Professional Musician

    Ask me a question

    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.

    Comment on this review

    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    Versatile, Great Sounding Tube Mic!

    By Thomas & Janet

    from Undisclosed

    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!

    Comment on this review

    (6 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    Great for the money!

    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-

    Comment on this review

    (6 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    The M X L 960 Miracle

    By Roger Paul

    from Georgia

    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!!!

    Comment on this review

    (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    FAT kick tone

    By Anonymous

    from Undisclosed

    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.

    Comment on this review

    (5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    Perfect Professional Broadcast Mic

    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.

    Comment on this review

    (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    Great Mic on Acoustic Bass (Jazz)

    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.

    Comment on this review

    (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    Great Mic Value

    By BudgetMC

    from Ameliastan

    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.

    Comment on this review

    Displaying reviews 1-10

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