MXL R40 Ribbon Microphone
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Robust ribbon mic sets a new standard for price and durability.
The MXL R40 is a solidly built, elegant-looking ribbon mic that features passive circuitry to keep the signal as pure as possible. By employing just two main components—ribbon motor and transformer—the R40 maintains the classic, smooth sound that makes ribbon mics a top choice for recording rich-sounding vocals.
In keeping with its straightforward design, the bi-directional R40 has no switches in the circuit path, just like any high-end ribbon mic-just an XLR connector at the base. The MXL R40 excels at vocal recording, as well as guitar, horns, and other acoustic instruments.
*Note: While the R40 boasts a sturdy design, care should be taken placing it in front of high-SPL sources. Extreme close-miking at very high SLP can damage any ribbon mic.
**Do not use phantom power with the R40. Phantom power will damage a passive ribbon mic.
Features
- Low-cost, high quality
- No active electronics to color sound
The rich sound of ribbon mics made affordable for the home studio. Order today!
R40 Ribbon Microphone Specifications:
- Frequency range: 20Hz-17kHz
- Polar pattern: Figure 8
Review Snapshot®
by PowerReviews(based on 33 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
91%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Good audio (10)
- Easy to use (7)
- Versatile (6)
- Durable (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Home studio (10)
- Amateur recording (7)
- Professional recording (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (9), Professional musician (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
Pretty Decent for the Price Point
If you are old enough to remember the DX-77 and this is your first jump into the rhelm of Chinese ribbon microphones, the R40 is not going to rock your world in comparison. ...Read complete review
If you are old enough to remember the DX-77 and this is your first jump into the rhelm of Chinese ribbon microphones, the R40 is not going to rock your world in comparison. However, if you consider the difference of a couple of grand in cold hard bucks then the R40 is well worth a shot.
Engineers who crave that crispy clear high end and tend to spend all their time doing pop, rock and hip-hop are lkely not going to keep a ribbon around for long. If they do they will have to adjust and learn to appreciate the design and application aspects of Ribbon mics. Ribbon engines do not sound like condensors. Where ribbons excel is in produccing a warm classic sound with voice ( ie: Frank, Sammy, Doris Day, etc) and warming up strings and piano - particullarly when a more classic sound is part of the plan. Although a ribbon and dynamic or condensor combo will do a few tricks on cabinets, most small project studios dont go around putting multiple mics on guitar cabinets. If they do then they get what being out of phase and out of pocket are about.
There is not a day that goes by that i don't hear a recording that could have been a bit better with a nice warm ribbon microphone, but because of the traditional cost factor ribbon microphones have been almost forgotten until recent years. The R40 is a great starting point for anyone wanting to tinker and gain experience in the workd of ribbon microphone application. The R40 is not quite as dark as most other ribbons, especially the R144. For the price, especially when there is a promotion, you just can not beat this as a cost effective ribbon. Try it on strings, when you want a classic voice sound or do what the pros do and play around a bit and see what you come up with. If you are looking for a near classic touch the R40 wil do the job inexpensively.
With all that said there are a couple of points to be made about the influx of Chinese manufactured ribbon mics and your engineering skils. That is to say that a HUGE number of these microphones have issues with sagging ribbons and you better be prepared to lift the hood and do some slightly articulate tech work to maintain your ribbon mic. If possible you might want to store your ribbon in an upright position, especially when you have those 2 micron alluminum foil ribbons in your engine. Just search the internet for sagging ribbon" and you will get a notion of basic care.
For the engineers wiling to invest the effort the R40 is at a super price point and a great place to learn how ribbons can enhance your skillset.
If you are old enough to remember the DX-77 and this is your first jump into the rhelm of Chinese ribbon microphones, the R40 is not going to rock your world in comparison. However, if you consider the difference of a couple of grand in cold hard bucks then the R40 is well worth a shot.
Engineers who crave that crispy clear high end and tend to spend all their time doing pop, rock and hip-hop are lkely not going to keep a ribbon around for long. If they do they will have to adjust and learn to appreciate the design and application aspects of Ribbon mics. Ribbon engines do not sound like condensors. Where ribbons excel is in produccing a warm classic sound with voice ( ie: Frank, Sammy, Doris Day, etc) and warming up strings and piano - particullarly when a more classic sound is part of the plan. Although a ribbon and dynamic or condensor combo will do a few tricks on cabinets, most small project studios dont go around putting multiple mics on guitar cabinets. If they do then they get what being out of phase and out of pocket are about.
There is not a day that goes by that i don't hear a recording that could have been a bit better with a nice warm ribbon microphone, but because of the traditional cost factor ribbon microphones have been almost forgotten until recent years. The R40 is a great starting point for anyone wanting to tinker and gain experience in the workd of ribbon microphone application. The R40 is not quite as dark as most other ribbons, especially the R144. For the price, especially when there is a promotion, you just can not beat this as a cost effective ribbon. Try it on strings, when you want a classic voice sound or do what the pros do and play around a bit and see what you come up with. If you are looking for a near classic touch the R40 wil do the job inexpensively.
With all that said there are a couple of points to be made about the influx of Chinese manufactured ribbon mics and your engineering skils. That is to say that a HUGE number of these microphones have issues with sagging ribbons and you better be prepared to lift the hood and do some slightly articulate tech work to maintain your ribbon mic. If possible you might want to store your ribbon in an upright position, especially when you have those 2 micron alluminum foil ribbons in your engine. Just search the internet for sagging ribbon" and you will get a notion of basic care.
For the engineers wiling to invest the effort the R40 is at a super price point and a great place to learn how ribbons can enhance your skillset.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Mine came with an extra long ribbon
I bought this from a SDotD for a very low price, and I was worried about getting one with a stretched ribbon. Sure enough, mice came with the extra long ribbon. The mic ...Read complete review
I bought this from a SDotD for a very low price, and I was worried about getting one with a stretched ribbon. Sure enough, mice came with the extra long ribbon. The mic works, but the output is very low (even lower than a normal ribbon) because a good part of the ribbon is hanging out of the gap. I could send it back, I suppose, but maybe I just get it modded.
Be aware that with inexpensive ribbons, it's a gamble whether or not the ribbon is stretched.
Reviews
Reviewed by 33 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-10
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Pros
- Clear Sound
- Durable
- Good Mid Response
- Supports Hi Spl
- Versatile
Cons
- Needs A Preamp
- Weak Shockmount
Best Uses
- Brass instruments
- Electric Guitar Recording
- Hi Spl Sources
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about MXL R40 Ribbon Microphone:
It's such a great mic for the price. I used it in a pro studio, for recording guitars. I recorded with two tube amps. I used this mic with a Marshall, and an SM57 for the other amp. Then, I conected both mics to a Focusrite tube preamp. Great sound, particularly, in all the mid, and hi-mid range. Didn't have to make an aggresive hi-pass in the mix. Looks like, it's the right mic for electric guitars, particularly, rock guitars.
Also, a friend of mine used it for recording a sax solo, using the same Focusrite preamp. He was pleased with the result!
I also used it for recording some metalcore screams and harsh vocals. Outstanding!
If you have a good, hi-gain and low noise preamp, this may be a good add for your arsenal.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about MXL R40 Ribbon Microphone:
For the money this mic is great why drop or break a costly mic when this mic does a good job for a lot less cash. Even works well outside with a wind screen. I am going to buy a couple more before they go out of stock. Great for any venue inside or outside.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Durable
- Ribbon Sound On The Cheap
- Versatile
Cons
- Ribbon Sag
Best Uses
- Guitar Cabinets
- Strings
- Vintage Vibe
- Woodwinds
Comments about MXL R40 Ribbon Microphone:
The R-40 is one of the sleep deals in the low-end category. Most of the mods that usually get made to low-end ribbon mics have already been done to this one, and it shows in the sound. This won't replace an RCA 77 or a Royer R-122, but it sure has that vintage vibe in droves for a very low price tag.
Got one on the SDotD and plan on getting a few more for some saxophone quartet recording gigs. If you want the 1950s studio sound on woodwinds and background vocals, this is the ticket. As it is, the mic is a wonderful addition to any studio, and it's more versatile than most ribbon mics at this price point.
I already have two MXL ribbons, and more are on the way. This is a no-brainer. Just buy one and try it. It has the ribbon sound, although beware of the sagging/low-tensioned mics. You could send them back, or you could be brave and attempt to tension the mic yourself. Not recommended for the weak at heart.
Overall, I love the mic. It isn't for every source, but what mic is?
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent For Speech
- Sweet Price
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Speech Recordings
Comments about MXL R40 Ribbon Microphone:
I bought this mic only because I have been curious about ribbon mics, and this one showed up as the stupid deal of the day. I have only used it for one project where I had to record speech for a powerpoint presentation. It seemed to do a very good job with this application. I do not regret buying it.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
- Limited Functions
Best Uses
- Professional Recording
Comments about MXL R40 Ribbon Microphone:
Hard to believe what I paid for these! Exactly like the R-144, swapping the xformers with lundahl LL2912 elevated these to a very fine mic!
Pros
- Good Basis For A Mod
- Inexpensive
- Nice Color
Cons
- Stretched Ribbon
Best Uses
- Mod Bait
Comments about MXL R40 Ribbon Microphone:
I bought this from a SDotD for a very low price, and I was worried about getting one with a stretched ribbon. Sure enough, mice came with the extra long ribbon. The mic works, but the output is very low (even lower than a normal ribbon) because a good part of the ribbon is hanging out of the gap. I could send it back, I suppose, but maybe I just get it modded.
Be aware that with inexpensive ribbons, it's a gamble whether or not the ribbon is stretched.
Pros
- Clear Sound
Cons
- Limited Functions
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about MXL R40 Ribbon Microphone:
Tested on a harmony G-xt.
Sounds good.the figure 8 pattern limits its uses.It sounds really good on louder traditional style singing.I wouldn't use this mic for subtle nuances,It works best at higher db that includes instruments.
Pros
- Clear Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
Comments about MXL R40 Ribbon Microphone:
Bought a second one on the stupid deal of the day. Nice doing stereo miking with ribbons. Experimented with Blumlein Pair and sounds great. These mics seem to work perfect with Behringer MIC2200 pre-amp.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Easy To Use
- Includes Shockmount
- Rich Vocal Reproduction
Cons
- Lame Packaging
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
Comments about MXL R40 Ribbon Microphone:
As a home-studio based recording artist, I look for good values and decent quality stuff. It doesn't have to hold up to the rigors of the road, and it doesn't have to have the highest specifications available. I mainly need it to properly record sounds and do it well.
This microphone has performed well in my limited use so far - I have used it to make quick demo recordings to test it out. I recorded an acoustic guitar, scratch vocal and electric guitar with it (carefully!). First off, if you've never used a ribbon mic, prepare to hear your voice in a new way! Vocal reproduction is buttery smooth, very rich sounding. This would be excellent for spoken word performances or audio books. For acoustic guitar, it performed equally well. The mid and bottom ranges are accentuated with this mic, which provided the warmth and lack of ambient noise I desired. This mic does a great job of rejecting off-axis noise. It is very sensitive to vibration, so be sure not to handle the mic stand while performing. Additionally, I mic'd a guitar cab with it (at low volume) and found the mic recorded it equally well. For vocal or acoustic guitar you would be well advised to get a preamp for this mic, as it's output is relatively low, but clear and warm.
The packaging is pretty generic looking but well padded, but would have been much better if it was a case instead of a padded cardboard box (but the price IS good).
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Hum problem
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
Comments about MXL R40 Ribbon Microphone:
I'm liking the mellow quality this mike is giving to my voice in recording, but I am having some problems with hum in the system. I don't know if the mike is responsible. I replaced a cord by another mfg with a Mogami as recommended and reduced the hum some, but not entirely. I wish I knew whether to blame the mike or something else in my system. Other mikes I've used haven't had such a pronounced hum,so it's a balance between the sound I want and an annoyance I don't want.
