MXL V6

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FutureMusic
REVIEWS MXL V6
though, is the general smoothness
that the mic exhibits.
Verdict
I think MXL’s attempt to re-create the
sound of a valve mic with solid-state
circuitry is a laudable one. That will
mean different things to different
people. Vintage valve mics do sound
individual, even when compared like
for like, and I would hope that this
isn’t the case with the V6.
Anyway, this detracts from what
is a great sounding and good-looking
mic. Given how competitive the mid
to budget price mic market can be,
manufacturers need to set their
products apart. The V6 is set apart
by being good value for money.
FM
MXL make one for wide-bodied mics
(£19), though we didn’t get round to
trying it with the V6.
On the numbers front, an A-
weighted equivalent noise of 16dB
looks quite healthy, and 22mV/Pa
sensitivity should result in a good
signal level. Weighing in at just over
half a kilo the V6 certainly feels like it
could take a few knocks without
getting too damaged.
In use
Up on the stand the V6 does look
impressive, and should elicit a
decent performance from even the
most timid performer. But what of its
sound? For me vocals and speech
are always a fi rst port of call with a
large cap condenser. Given the
enclosed frequency chart I expected
quite a hyped top-end. In actual fact
the top end is very smooth and
nothing like some of the ultra-bright
mics out there. The specifi cations on
MXL’s website have a slightly
different response curve, which I
would say better refl ects the reality.
With regard to proximity, I feel the
lower frequencies are more in
evidence and maybe there’s a little
less going on in the low-mids. Overall
though, the frequency balance is
quite pleasing and works very well
on acoustic guitar, as well as male
vocal and speech. Most surprising,
O
K, IT HAS NOT got a valve
made of silicon, or indeed
a valve at all, but MXL’s
latest model is the fi rst in
a new range designed to sound like
classic valve condensers (hence the
name). And in keeping with rather
more expensive valve mics, it does
look the part, combining chunky
construction with a bit of bling, and
all for just £199.
Main features
MXL’s aim with the Silicon Valve
design is to use discrete solid-state
circuitry (a Field-Effect Transistor,
FET) to impart some valve mic
characteristics (harmonic distortion)
to the more robust and simpler
phantom powered condenser
design. It’s not entirely clear which
particular valve mic they’ve got in
mind here, but of the two that MXL
make (the V69 and the V76t), my
money would be on the V69. With
the V6 coming in cheaper than the
V69 (£329), it would certainly make
for an interesting A/B comparison.
Anyway, let’s sum up what you
get for your money. The V6 is a
single pattern, phantom powered
cardioid condenser. Its design is
simplicity itself, with no integrated
pad or roll-off. It comes in a padded
wooden box, and a basic mic clip is
included. If you want a shockmount,
DETAILS
PRICE £199
CONTACT
Web: www.mxlmics.com
TECH SPEC
Cardioid condenser capsule,
25mm (6 micron) gold
sputtered diaphragm
Frequency response: 30Hz
to 20kHz
Sensitivity: 22mV/Pa
Maximum SPL: 130dB
S/N ratio: 78dB, 1kHz @
1Pa
Equivalent Noise Level:
16dB (A weighted)
Power requirements: 48V
phantom (+/- 4V), 2mA
typical
Dimensions: 215mm long,
55mm diameter
Weight: 0.52Kg
MXL’s latest microphone hits the streets. But what’s all this
about valves made of silicon? Jon Musgrave puckers up…
MXL V6
VERDICT MXL V6
BUILD QUALITY
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VALUE FOR MONEY
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EASE OF USE
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VERSATILITY
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QUALITY OF RESULTS
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2 4 6 8 10
If you ignore the slightly
misleading name you’ll fi nd a
solidly built mic. Worth a look.
MXL’s most eye-
catching microphone
gets put to the test
FMU171.rev_mxlmic 42FMU171.rev_mxlmic 42 6/1/06 2:14:42 pm6/1/06 2:14:42 pm