This sturdy small-diaphragm studio condenser microphone with a cardioid polar pattern is ideal for both single and multiple voice recordings. While being a great choice for voice recording, the 770 is also good for capturing instruments such as pianos, strings, or brass. It brings affordability and quality.
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MXL Mics 770 Microphone Review
In order to have a great recording of your vocals, instruments, you need a quality microphone. To make shopping a little easier for you, you can Buy here.
How this mic stacks up
- Super easy to use
- Great for beginners
- Features a cardioid polar pattern making it ideal for both single and multiple voice recording
- Top-notch audio quality for voice or instrumental recordings
- Can have a tendency to catch background noises and wind so a good pop filter is recommended
Features
The MXL 770 Mic is from the company MXL Mics. They are a division of the well-known audio brand, Marshall Electronics. This company manufactures not only microphones but also a range of audio products like cables and pro A/V.
Their audio products are suitable for recording songs, making movies, or doing live broadcasts for either professional, hobbyists, or musicians. They feature a lot of artists on their website and they also host giveaways to their consumers monthly.
All of their products are high quality yet very affordable. Here is a list of all its features:
- It is a pressure gradient condenser microphone
- Has a cardioid polar pattern
- Its capsule size is 22mm/.87 in. and has a 6 micron gold-sputtered diaphragm
- Has a frequency range of 30 Hz – 20 kHz
- Max SPL 137 dB and S/N ration of 74 dB
- 6 dB/octave @ 150Hz high pass filter
- 20 dB equivalent noise and 150 ohms output impedance
- This mic is internally wired with Mogami cable
- Capsule Size: 22mm/.87 in.
- Comes with an MXL 70 high-isolation shock mount and a rugged storage case for portability
- 48V phantom power requirement (not included)
- Elegant matte black finish and black grill
- Its dimensions are 59 mm x 158 mm/ 2.32 in. x 6.22 in. and weighs 1 lb.
- Easy to use which makes it suitable for beginners
- Very clear and crisp sound
- An extremely sensitive and versatile microphone
- Has a sturdy construction and is built to last
- The hard case is comes with is high quality and protects the microphone thanks to the soft foam padding inside
- Great audio quality despite the big price tag
- There is a tendency or air getting into the diaphragm which can cause moisture and unwanted wind sounds
- The manual that comes with the microphone is not that detailed
- The quality of the shock mount is subpar
- It can capture background noises so you may need to have some sort of way to block noises in your room or studio
Possible Alternatives
This microphone is definitely a great buy. This alternative may be better for your needs – Neewer NW-700 Professional Condenser Microphone.
It comes with a lot of accessories such as a 48V phantom power supply adapter, a ball-type anti-wind foam cap, pop filter, suspension boom scissor arm stand, an XLR male to female cable, and a table mount clamp. This set can save you a lot of money as it is a lot cheaper than the MXL 770.
If you are looking for a microphone that is more suited for instruments such as a guitar and drums, the Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Mic might just be the perfect choice for you. This dynamic microphone is professional-grade and has a 5 position ball roll-off switch which makes it very flexible to use in any type of situation. It is also said to be the best all-around dynamic mic on the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MXL 770 good for vocals?
MXL 770 is a small diaphragm condenser mic with a unidirectional polar pattern. It has a wide frequency response(30HZ-20KHz), good sensitivity(15mV/Pa), a noise equivalent of 20dB, and an impressive FET preamp that gives a balanced range.
The MXL 770 is reasonably priced, so if you are looking for a good quality condenser mic that is inexpensive but will work both in home-setups and recordings, this is an excellent option.
Is the MXL 770 good for rapping?
The MXL 770 is a good mic for rapping due to its small diaphragm condenser and low-end frequency response.
Does MXL 770 need phantom power?
Yes, the MXL 770 is an XLR mic and will need phantom (48V DC) power.
What is the difference between MXL 770 and 990?
The MXL 770 has a smaller capsule and is heavier than the MXL 990. Another difference in the SPL level; the MXL 770 has a 137dB SPL, whereas the 990 has only a 130dB SPL. The S/N ratio for 770 is 74dB, and the 990 is 80dB
These technical differences make the sound of the MXL 770 warmer and with better bass. Whereas the MXL 990 is smoother and works better for vocals as compared to instrumentals.
What are the switches on the MXL 770?
The MXL 770 has only two switches: the first one adds 10dB padding, letting you use it in a noisier environment. The second switch is for bass roll-off; this lets you reduce the rumbling noise that comes with higher bass.
Is MXL 990 omnidirectional?
No, the MXL 990 has a cardioid polar pattern. It is suited for applications that require the speaker to be right in front of the mic.
What does MXL stand for?
It stands for Musicmatch Access Layer.
Is MXL 990 a USB mic?
Yes, the MXL 990 is a USB-powered condenser mic.
Does MXL 9000 need phantom power?
Yes, the MXL 9000 is an XLR mic and will require phantom power to operate.
What kind of mic is MXL 990?
The MXL 990 is a USB-powered condenser mic with a cardioid polar pattern.
Conclusion
If you want high quality but do not want to break the bank, then this mic is a wise choice, find out more and get prices here.
This cardioid condenser microphone is a versatile microphone that lets you record clear audio, whether it is vocals or instruments. Our write-up which delves into what is a condenser microphone will answer most questions as well as what is a cardioid mic. It has a simple design and a very sturdy build. It also comes with a shock mount and a hard storage case that you will find very useful.
Best Studio Mics was started by a husband and wife team who love the sound and the technicals behind recording it. Both are professional theatre artists, one with a stage management background and one more on stage. One also has experience in film and television work and the different audio requirements of that arena.