Question about MXL 960

  • Thread starter Thread starter tvolhein
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T

tvolhein

Tom Volhein
REF MXL 960
Based on Harvey Gerst’s suggestion, I just purchased the MXL 960. I have some questions.

http://www.homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=245511
Page #8

1)
What happens to the phantom power that enters the 960’s power supply if I accidentally leave on phantom power at my RME FF800?

2)
This puppy is heavy. What is a good shock mount to hold it securely?

3)
Manufacturer suggest mounting it inverted, because of heat. What does heat have to do with it?

I plan on testing the mic in the next few days and excited to hear the results.


Thanks
Tom
 
1) probably nothing, i've read (but can't confirm) that some tube mics, namely the rode ntk, function better if they're fed phantom power-- even if they don't require it. generally my understanding is that it's not a problem, but i happily defer to anyone with greater technical understanding of this issue (there are many here :) )
2) dunno-- the regular chinese shockmounts that are sold under many brand names and which usually work won't work for the 960? if not, i know the rode shockmount for the ntk fits numerous mxl mics. there's also the handy "universal shockmount" www.shockmount.com, which i've previously owned and used, though i'm not sure how comfortable i'd feel putting something upside down in it.
3) iirc tube mics used to always be mounted upside down so that heat wouldn't travel up to the capsule and melt it. iirc modern-manufactured capsules don't suffer from this problem as much, but it's still a good idea.
 
One more question

Thanks, kojdogg

Also, the MXL 960 literature says not to use a pre-amp. However, the RME Fireface 800 has only four XLR imputs, and each has a pre. Do you think this is an issue?

t
 
i read it and it says that it does not "require external preamplification." if all you have is your fireface preamps (from what i understand the only weak link in an otherwise stellar unit), then maybe you can go straight into a line in (get an xlr to trs cable and plug it into input 5 (6, 7 or 8). if you try that and need more gain, put it into the pre. that might add more noise though.
 
yeah technically a tube mic won't need an external preamp, but if you have a nice transformer based pre, or something that will add some mojo otherwise, or just need gain control, low cut, etc. of course you can.
 
...unless it's either a at 3060 or a naiant msh-4 that needs phantom power to operate... there may be others. the 960 definitely doesn't. a nice darker pre can sometimes help smooth out a tube pre a little. that mic seems to have a nice little bump over 5-6k
 
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