My new favorite mic . . .

[chessrock]

Just got done tracking some accoustic guitar and vocals the other night with the mxl v93.

Love it.

I own a few mics that cost me well more than twice as much, but the 93 is now clearly my favorite of the bunch.

 

[CarmenC]

Just got done tracking some accoustic guitar and vocals the other night with the mxl v93.

Love it.

I own a few mics that cost me well more than twice as much, but the 93 is now clearly my favorite of the bunch.

What are you comparing it to?
Carmen

 

[chessrock]

Rode NT2, Shure SM7, Marshall V67, and every other mic I own.

 

[Retro]

Chessrock,

What are the differences between the v67 and thev93?

 

[chessrock]

The biggest difference is in features: the v93 has a bass rolloff switch, and -10 db pad. It also comes with a shockmount. The additional goodies WAY more than justify the extra $50. Everyone should have at least one mic with a bass rolloff and/or a pad. There's no way around it. Unless you like mud.

Sonically, the major differences are in the transformer and the housing. Both impart the 67 with a unique character. Forward. Aggressive. Big. The 93, on the other hand, is transformerless and very traditional in most every other sense.

They're both great mics, but I must admit that I'm starting to grow tired of the amount of bass-cutting I have to do on my 67 tracks. The 93 has a very usefull bass rolloff. It does exactly what it's supposed to do. Tracks come out clean and accurate. Unpretenteous.

The 67, to me, is one of the best voiceover mics that no one knows about. And ist's awesome for vocals. Just understand that it is a little more high-maintenance.

 

[notCardio]

Would you mind posting a small sample or two? I'd really like to hear it, especially on acoustic guitar. It doesn't have to be a complete song, or even a complete mix, just a couple of snippets.

How else would you rate the 93? How's the self noise and sensitivity? How does it handle siblances compared to the v67?

 

[chessrock]

Self noise is relatively low, as far as I can tell - better than what you'd expect for it's price range. But the sensitivity is kind of off the charts, to be honest. It handles siblances like a champion -- about as good or maybe slightly better than the v67.

As far as clips go, I will post something within the next two days. I have to warn you that what I have is kinda' rough -- I mean I wasn't exactly recording Steve Howe. But you can still tell the mic was more than holding it's own.

 

[crawdad]

chessrock--I too am reaching for the V93 more often these days. It seems to work well on voice, acoustic and electric guitar. I like the detail and the clarity of this mic. Its a great value and an excellent performer. Like you, I also own the V67, which I like on voice but not so much on anything else. I thought your comparison of the two was an accurate representation of my experiences with both mics. I am, in fact, thinking about getting another V93.

 

[chessrock]

I think you and I are on the same wavelength here, because I'm thinking the 93 is begging to be stereo paired. I just wish I had a use for it. My 603's work so well as a pair on drums and accoustic guitars. I'm also finding the 603 / 93 to be a formidable combo for that. If I ever start tracking piano, I will definitely get another 93 though.

 

[chessrock]

I am going to attempt to attach a snippet from the guitar recording I was talking about.

The Left speaker is the v93 right around the 12th fret. The right speaker is the mxl 603 "over-the-shoulder" pointed down towards the hole. Harvey will be so proud of me.

The recording sounds like crap on this mp3 resolution. When it's closer to being done, I'll post a link where you can hear what it really sounds like. But you can still hear what a difference the bass rolloff switch on the 93 (Left pan) does to clear up the mud, as any boominess you'll hear is clearly coming from the right side.