MXL 770 – A Condenser Microphone that’s here to stay.
The MXL 770 is an awesome microphone. It is a small-diaphragm condenser microphone which is perfect for recording many genres of music.
It features a cardioid polar pattern, balanced sound, and 30Hz-20kHz frequency response. All of these superb features make for the perfect recording mic.
We adore the wide dynamic range that the MXL 770 is able to capture. In addition, the MXL 770 features a -10db attenuation switch which allows for recording an even wider range of audio sources.
MXL 770
MXL 770 Condenser Microphone
The MXL 770 is a favorite of home studio artists on a budget, this small-diaphragm cardioid condenser comes with a shockmount, switchable low-frequency cut and -10 dB pad.
Although the MXL 770 is a consumer-priced microphone, it delivers completely professional sonics and features.
A true, phantom powered, condenser microphone with a 6-micron, 20 mm gold-sputtered diaphragm, the MXL 770 delivers a silky up-front high end and a solid low frequency sound.
The MXL 770 has a high quality FET preamp and its output is balanced with a wide dynamic range.
The MXL 770 is perfectly suited for digital and analog recording.
MXL 770 Review
Pros
20 mm gold-sputtered, 6-micron, low distortion diaphragm
FET preamp with balanced output
Switchable bass cut and -10 dB pad
Legendary MXL sonic characteristics
Comes with shock mount and rugged carrying case
For the price, you are onto a winner!
Cons
Doesn’t exclude background noise as well as more expensive mics
Shock mount a little wobbly
MXL 770 Specs
Type: Condenser pressure gradient mic with large 22 mm. diaphragm
Frequency Range: 30Hz-20kHz
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Sensitivity: 10mV/Pa
Impedance: 200 Ohms
S/N Ratio: 80dB (Ref. 1Pa A-weighted)
Equivalent Noise Level: 18dB (A weighted IEC 268-4)
Maximum SPL for 0.5% THD: 134dB
High Pass Filter: 6dB/octave, 150HZ
Attenuator Switch: 0/-10dB
Power Requirements: Phantom Power 48V +/-4V
Size: 60mm x 154mm
Weight: 420g
Metal Finish: Black
What is the MXL 770 frequency response?
The MXL 770’s frequency range is an impressive 30Hz-20kHz. This allows for a wide range of sounds to be captured and all adds the MXL 770’s charms.
MXL 770 Price
The Price of the MXL 770 is extremely competitive. The stand alone mic starts at just $79.99 from the link below. It is the best mic in its price range and blows the competition out of the water.
For a few dollars more you can get the MXL 770 complete with a Shock Isolation Mount, Blucoil 10-FT Balanced XLR Cable, and Pop Filter Windscreen (a must have when recording voices and wind instruments).
Finally, a few dollars more will get you the MXL 770, Blucoil 10-FT Balanced XLR Cable, and Boom Arm Plus Pop Filter. Hurry these sell out fast!
MXL 770 Switches
There are two switches on the MXL 770. The first lets you add 10dB pad to reduce loud incoming sound. The other is a bass roll-off switch to make those lower rumbles disappear.
MXL 770x
Get multi-pattern flexibility on a budget! MXL took the home-studio-favorite 770 condenser mic, and added figure-8 and omni patterns to create this MXL 770X.
The MXL 770X Multi-pattern Vocal Condenser Microphone Package offers flexibility and performance for the studio in an all-in-one recording bundle.
MXL 770x Review
The 770X builds on the success and versatility of the popular MXL 770 with an upgraded large diaphragm gold-sputtered capsule in three switch-selectable polar patterns: cardioid, figure eight, and omni-directional.
This multipattern design allows the user to optimize the 770X for recording vocals, instruments, and all your recording needs.
The 770X package includes the 770X Multipattern Condenser Microphone, shock mount with integrated pop-filter, balanced XLR cable, and a microfiber cleaning cloth.
– Premium Condenser Microphone with upgraded 1.25 inch gold-sputtered diaphragm
– Complete Studio Recording package includes 770X Multi-pattern Condenser Microphone & bonus accessories: shock mount with integrated pop-filter, balanced 20′ XLR cable, and microfiber cleaning cloth
– Low noise with stunning clarity and detail in the highs while retaining thickness and warmth on the low end
– Switchable polar patterns allow you to choose between cardioid, figure-of-eight, and omnidirectional for versatility in recording vocals and instruments
MXL 990 Blaze Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Need a mic for live streaming? With a sleek black finish and glowing red LEDs, the MXL 990 Blaze large-diaphragm condenser microphone looks great on camera.
The MXL 990 Blaze is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone designed for podcasters and gamers who are looking for an upgrade in audio for their live streams.
The 990 Blaze complements most home podcasting and gaming rig setups with its sleek black finish and four glowing red LED lights in the mic grille — and it also captures a remarkably clear sound.
Perfect for Twitch streaming or any other live-streaming application, the 990 Blaze has a wide frequency response to faithfully capture a wide range of voices and is built with all-metal construction for long-lasting use.
– Requires 48V Phantom Power
– Glowing red LED lights automatically turn on during use
– 30 Hz — 20 kHz frequency response is ideal for a wide range of voices
MXL OverStream Bundle with 990 Microphone
The MXL OverStream Bundle is perfect for gamers and live streamers. Includes the 990 condenser microphone, BCD-Stand, and SMP-1 pop filter with shock mount.
The MXL OverStream Bundles are for gamers and live streamers looking to upgrade their audio. The MXL OS1-BW OverStream Bundle is centered around the 990, a large diaphragm condenser microphone with a wide frequency response that captures a remarkably clear sound.
The OS1 Bundle comes with an MXL BCD-Stand with hinged arm and MXL SMP-1 integrated metal pop filter with shockmount.
The MXL BCD-Stand with articulating hinged arm makes for easy mic placement and professional look and feel. (Clamp and swivel mount options available).
The SMP-1 Integrated Metal Pop Filter/Shockmount combines two essential items for condenser microphones into one integrated unit to help eliminate plosives and low frequency rumbles.
MXL 770 vs 990
It’s a matter of horses for courses when it comes to choosing between the MXL 770 and 990.
If you are after a mic for home recording digital and analog, then the 770 is the clear winner.
However, if you are recording a podcast or using the mic for interviewing or speaking, the 990 is the beast that you need.
AT2020
Recording vocals at home? Here’s your affordable large-diaphragm condenser mic. And with SPL handling up to 144 dB, the AT2020 is a natural on loud sources.
With all the budget-priced condenser microphones now available to the masses, there are only a few that deliver serious bang for super-low bucks.
Among them is the Audio-Technica AT2020, a decidedly no-frills, rock-solid condenser with performance that belies its low price. With a low-mass capsule capable of faithfully reproducing fast transients, this versatile mic captures instruments admirably, and its crisp top end paired with lower-mid warmth is consistently flattering on vocals.
And since the AT2020 is priced to fit into any home studio’s budget, it’s an ideal “first condenser.”
Sturdy Construction
You may have heard that condenser microphones are more fragile than their dynamic cousins. True as that may be, the AT2020 sports a heavy, durable build quality that puts much higher-priced condensers to shame.
Check the customer reviews for reports of folks unceremoniously dropping this bad boy — with no harm done to the microphone. Although it’s not recommended that you deliberately knock about your AT2020, it’s inspiring to have a piece of gear that feels this sturdy and solid on its stand. After all, you’ll want to be using this microphone for a long, long time.
Innovative Back-Electret Capsule Design
Being built like a tank is one thing, but when you’re shopping for an all-around studio condenser, you need a mic that can deliver the goods sonically. To see what sets the AT2020 apart, take a close look at its unusual back-electret capsule design.
Like most condenser microphones, the AT2020 requires 48V phantom power. But while most condensers send this charge directly to the diaphragm element, Audio-Technica instead runs the voltage to the back-plate of the condenser, so the diaphragm itself can be much thinner and more responsive — a feature often found in professional measurement microphones.
Additionally, the AT2020’s diaphragm is 16 mm in diameter, considerably smaller than the standard 1-inch diaphragm — giving it a faster transient response that’s great for instruments, or paired up on drum overheads. A gentle 5-15 kHz boost delivers a clean, crisp, airy top end, and an intrinsic low-mid-frequency warmth makes it a favorite on male and female vocals.
So don’t be fooled by the price — this mic produces sound quality characteristic of Audio-Technica’s higher-priced models without the “hyped” characteristic found in cheap condensers.
High SPL Handling for Loud Sources
The AT2020 is rated at a maximum sound pressure level (SPL) of 144 dB, so it can accurately reproduce loud instruments and strong vocals with clarity and precision. A jackhammer at a distance of one meter measures approximately 100 dB SPL, so you get an idea of the Audio-Technica AT2020’s capabilities.
Bring on the close-miked horns, crashing drums, and screaming vocals — this mic can handle them. Whether it’s your first studio condenser or just an affordable addition to a well-stocked mic closet, this mic is designed to be as versatile as it is durable.
Cardioid Pickup Pattern: Ideal For Vocals
If you’re building a budget-minded home studio, it’s likely you’ll be recording vocals in the same room as your computer. And that means excess noise in the recording environment. All the more reason to use a vocal microphone with excellent off-axis rejection, like the Audio-Technica AT2020.
Its cardioid pickup pattern helps isolate your performance, rejecting sound from the sides or rear. It’s the classic pickup pattern for recording vocals, and it’s useful for building stereo X-Y pairs or ORTF setups with two microphones — after all, at this price, you may well want to pick up a pair.
MXL 770 vs AT2020
We love the MXL 770, but if you have a little more room in your budget, we’d recommend stretching to the AT2020.
The AT 2020 handles itself a little better when using it for loud sound sources making it a better all-round large-diaphragm condenser mic.
Plus, the AT 2020’s faster transient response, cardioid pickup pattern and solid workhorse nature makes it a no brainer in our eyes.
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