MXL- 603S Experience?

[Chip_Saffire]

Hi Guys, I'm thinking about buying two MXL 603S, the main usage of these microphones will be in the recording of cymbals, acoustic guitars, percussion and so on.

Anyone has some experience of these microphones?

And which microphones would you recommend if not these?
/Chip

 

[MadAudio]

I have a matched pair that I use for drum overheads (which, by the way are meant for capturing the whole kit, not just the cymbals) and I've been very pleased with them. Some here prefer the Oktava MK-012. I've never used my 603s for anything else, though.

 

[bilco]

I borrowed a 603S from a friend to record acoustic guitar before I bought an SM81. I think it is a great mic.

 

[scrubs]

The search feature of the boards will reveal many many mentions of this mic. In general, it's regarded as one of the better inexpensive small condensers for overheads & acoustic instruments. It is a little bright, but not terribly so, imo. The newer MXL 604 is an upgraded version with pad, rolloff, and omni caps.

 

[punkin]

Ditto oh great for drum OH's and even better yet on acoustic guitar. IMHO it will be a hard pair to beat at their current price and performance. There are better for sure but nothing to turn your nose up at either. Get 'em, a nice addition to your "kit".

 

[SMX_Dizzy]

MadAudio, did you use 603's to record The Groins? They sounded really nice...I'm kinda in a toss-up between a matched pair of 603's w/ shockmounts of a matched pair of 604's without the shocks.

 

[MadAudio]

MadAudio, did you use 603's to record The Groins? They sounded really nice...I'm kinda in a toss-up between a matched pair of 603's w/ shockmounts of a matched pair of 604's without the shocks.

Yes, and keep in mind that the band was in the same room for that recording. Imagine the sound if the drums had been isolated!

Whichever you get, you'll want shockmounts.

 

[SMX_Dizzy]

Yes, and keep in mind that the band was in the same room for that recording. Imagine the sound if the drums had been isolated!

Whichever you get, you'll want shockmounts.

It's kinda ridiculous though, if I end up getting the 604's I'd be spending $70 extra for shocks.

 

[Janesaid2me]

I got a pair and they work pretty well as overheads...obviously not the best mic you can get but for the price range I really dont think you can beat them...sometimes I feel they are alil to harsh sounding...but the better your placement and with alil eq you can help that out...i feel the 603s really shines on acoustic guitar....!

 

[SRR]

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-AVANTONE-SS...hZ016QQcategoryZ29948QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

Those are a little cheaper for shockmounts, not by a whole lot though. I have the 604's and have the real MXL shockmounts, I only have the real ones cause I got them as one of my birthday presents, other wise I would have gone cheaper, like the ones in the link above.

 

[NL5]

You can buy the 603's and get 604 capsules for another 49.95. (Thanks Harvey!)

As said above, these are really usable mic's. They are not stellar, but for the price they are hard to beat.

 

[Chip_Saffire]

Ofcourse i understand that these microphones could be beaten anytime if you buy something more expensive... But my budget isn't allowing that kind of stuff..=)

When reacting to these responses i got in this forum I think I can buy the MXL 603s, and still sleep good...!

Thanks for sharing your experiense!

/Chip

 

[daav]

I have a (not matched) pair, used for acoustic and overheads mostly. Greqat little mics.

Not a tight directional pattern though, they pick up a lot of the room.
Sounds really good x/y inmy opinion, can be a bit tricky with placement on cymbals since they are fairly bright, i find i like them sitting behind the cymbals more over the drummer than in front.

Daav