MXL .006 Condenser USB Microphone

Supports USB 1.1 and 2.0. 20 Hz-20 kHz frequency response.

Overall User Ratings (based on 26 ratings)
  • Overall:
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Sound:
    3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Features:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Ease of Use:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Quality:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Value:
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Manufacturer Support:
    2.5 out of 5 stars
  • The Wow Factor:
    4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
(26) (see rating details)
Submitted October 22, 2008 by a customer from yahoo.com

"MXL got it done right!!!"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
It's pretty good...but obviously not the best. Not with all these thousand dollar mics running around haha. I like it better than the snowball, I don't know why but the snowball seems like it's for little kids, and I'm not really trying to get on that little kid level. MXL could've made it better, but it's pretty good the way it is. It's best function is probably for music production.
Sound
I've experience other microphones, and this is probably the best sound I've ever had. But you probably need to start off by having a good enviroment. Sound proof is not a necessity though. Picks up sounds EASILY. But pretty good quality. Pop Filter is a MUST!!!!
Features
Came with the basics, a sturdy tripod desktop stand, a traveling case, and decent length USB cord.
Ease of Use
Plug and go...that's it haha. But really though, depending on your software, please read your manual for the set up.
Quality
Crystal clear. I produce songs all the time and I don't think I'm ever going to replace this mic. If you looking for that professional sound...just sound proof the room and you're good to go.
Value
Yes! Although to really perfect the sale, they should throw in a pop-filter. Because without it then you all your pops make the recording skip, and it's unacceptable in what I do
Manufacturer Support
Never called for it...
The Wow Factor
It's pretty "sexy" haha. I wouldn't expect a mic this good to look any less to tell you the truth.

Musical Background:

Musician, Producer

Musical Style:

Hip-Hop, R&B, Rock
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Submitted June 5, 2007 by a customer from bigfoot.com

"Sounds great! ... Except for the high-pitched self-noise."

Overall: 3.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
I was poking around to make myself feel better about buying this microphone over the popular Samson C01U and Snowball, and came across a review of all of these microphones, including the new Rode Podcaster, pitted against each other. The reviewer noted a distinct B-natural pitch from the MXLUSB.006, though it did have less self-noise than the Samson. Check out the review at Emusician, search google for Samson, MXL, Podcaster and you should find it. Between this unit and the Snowball, I would still choose this, because I like the deeper, richer sound, rather than the tinny, airy effect the Snowball gives. However, I wish I saw that review before I bought the MXL, though the MXL has a rich sound, the noise is unacceptable for my application and I'll be returning it. Though USB mics are notorious for having high self-noise, I replaced the MXLUSB.006 with a Rode Podcaster, and have not noticed significant self-noise problems with the Podcaster. If MXL fixed the high-pitched noise problem, I'd be all over this microphone.
Sound
I got this microphone to record voiceover narration for a video. There are points where there will only be narration, and no music or background audio. Although it sounds pretty good for a USB mic, there is a noticeable pitch generated by the microphone itself. This self-noise is audible during quiet moments or even when speech is recorded, if you listen carefully. Other than the noise, the sound is rich and faithful.
Features
Loved the little desktop tripod it included as well as the hardware gain control. Would love to see real-time monitoring, a la the Rode Podcaster.
Ease of Use
Just plug it in and it works, at least on my Mac. No special software needed. Hardware gain control helps too.
Quality
Included case is a nice touch, unit feels solid and includes necessary adapter and microphone cable, as well as a nifty desktop tripod.
Value
It has a few more nifty features than the Samson C01U, such as tripod and hardware gain control.
Manufacturer Support
I emailed support with questions about their other USB mics and did not receive any response.
The Wow Factor
Other than the self-noise problems, I really wanted to keep it. It looks nice, it's solid, and the case and included accessories are neat. But I couldn't look past the high-pitched noise it generates.

Musical Background:

Hobbyist
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Submitted January 22, 2008 by a customer from hotmail.com

"The best mic to start your studio..."

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
When I heard myself on the recording a lot of people were very impressed. Clear sound and perfect for beginners recvording adicts.
Sound
The best Mic I had. It's perfect when recording inside your vehicle. It sounds great.
Features
I use it on hi all the time
Ease of Use
Fool proof mic. Plug and Play
Quality
Never had a problem with it
Value
Not bad for the price.

Musical Background:

Recording Artist Engineer

Musical Style:

Rock, Grunge, Latin Electronica
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Submitted June 8, 2007 by a customer from imap.cc

"Intrinsic noise while recording."

Overall: 1.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Purchaser zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.
Sound
This USB microphone has a lot of intrinsic noise. I have tried it in various environments and different computers. The same problem in all of them. I use a good software for recording (adobe audition). You are much better off with a microphone that hooks to your sound card. Just make sure you have a good sound card for mic recording.

Musical Background:

Hobbyist
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Submitted March 16, 2007 by a customer from yahoo.co.uk

"The best!!!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Get this Microphone!!!
Sound
I was blown away by the sound quality, as soon as I got it home I plugged it straight in, went straight into Ableton Live without any hassle of installing any drivers. I looked at the volume meter for the mic and I saw it was raised, like there was some horrible hissing or hum going on. I put on the headphones and it was the cars outside!!! The sound is crystal clear!! Best i have ever heard! Be advised get a pop shield, you will need one!!!!
Features
It comes with a really nice durable padded case, which is great, it can hold the mic, desktop stand that it comes with and manuals and USB lead.
Ease of Use
Extremely easy to use, plug in and record straight away. Can get great sounds of this. The gain setting on the rear is perfect for adjusting the level to fit the level of the source.
Quality
Looks fantastic, solid metal construction, excellent feeling grill.
Value
For a condenser microphone of suberb quality and not needing to fork out fo a preamp aswell. Get this microphone, I LOVE IT!!!
Manufacturer Support
Have not needed to use support but there are many contact details in the manual.

Musical Background:

Producer/DJ

Musical Style:

Drum and Bass/Hard House
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