The new MXL "Cube" LDC?

[kid klash]

GREAT review. Thanks Harvey.

 

[TheHunter]

@Harvey as always... Thanks for the review. Can you post some sample clips I think that would be helpful.

Which of these mics do you think good for vocals?

 

[Harvey Gerst]

@Harvey as always... Thanks for the review. Can you post some sample clips I think that would be helpful.

Which of these mics do you think good for vocals?

Depends on what the vocalist needs. I think the 190 might be a better vocal mic (as far as being a lot more neutral), but sometimes a singer needs an aggressive mic. It's too soon to really get a handle on either mic; you hafta live with them for a while.

The Cube is a little too bright (as it sits) for everyday use as a vocal mic, but I'm curious as to how it might sound off axis, or with a little more screening to tame that peak.

 

[junplugged]

190 shock mount looks like it's threaded?

 

[Harvey Gerst]

190 shock mount looks like it's threaded?

Yup it's threaded to take matching threads on the mic; same thing with the Cube. They both screw into the shock mount.

 

[crazydoc]

...
Back to the T3 and switching with the MXL 190. The 190 has a smoother warmer sound without much of any peaks that I could hear. But either the proximity roll-off switch was stuck in the on position, or this mic doesn't have a lot of proximity effect. I'll check the switch tomorrow. Overall it's a pretty nice mic, but it does overload pretty easy up close. I didn't try the -10dB pad to see if that would fix it.

It's a little smoother than the T3; it doesn't have that high end sheen like the T3 has. But it's not a "dark" mic either. Alex said it reminded him of the "N" word. It definitely has a M149 kinda vibe to it. The new shock mount is amazingly well crafted and works for the Cube as well.

More testing to come. These are just first impressions.

Any word on the proximity and overload issues?

 

[Harvey Gerst]

Any word on the proximity and overload issues?

Testing mics is really a two person job and Alex won't be back till Monday. I'll see if we can sneak it in before a session. We also have a big load of Avant mics that are coming in as well.

 

[crazydoc]

Thanks Harvey. Looking forward to your opinion.

 

[dkelley]

IMHO the mxl cube sounds like it's an apex 435 with a more open grille (and completely different exterior look). Prob the same capsule, certainly the same frequency response peak up high with the same sounding prox. effect starting at around 18", and two of the biggest issues with the 435 are it's grille structure (which is pretty good for safety but not as open as some mics (but certainly more open than some other mics I've used as well), and it's transformer isn't the greatest. Maybe they fixed those two issues with the same cap and basic circuit?

Just a though since the price is so cheap and the apex 435 has been selling for around the same price or slightly cheaper for months and months now, and is also a steal for a LDC mic that is actually quite useful (I use it on toms by choice very often, and you don't cry when a $60 mic gets smashed by a drummer, you just throw on the replacement from the bucket of them you've got hidden in the back of your mic locker).

I have a feeling I'm being wordy and boring tonight, sorry for the meandering.

Cheers all, really looking forward to hearing more about the 190 or whatever the mxl model # is that sounded smooth.

Don

 

[crazydoc]

Just a heads up on the Cube:

* Gold-sputtered, 6 micron diaphragm
* Internally wired with Mogami cable
* FET balanced output
* Unique small size/low-profile
* Comes with mic clip (optional shockmount available)

With MXL's Cube, home and project recording studio engineers have a versatile microphone that is well within their budget. The Cube is a cardioid condenser mic that delivers powerful, clear, and detailed vocals and shimmers with acoustic instruments and percussion. Its frequency response ranges from 20 Hz - 20 kHz, making it ideal for a wide range of recording tasks.
Featuring a 1-inch gold sputtered, six micron pressure gradient capsule and a low-noise FET (field-effect transistor) preamp with balanced transformer coupled output, the Cube delivers big sound from its surprisingly diminutive size. Further contributing to its pristine audio quality is the fact that the microphone is internally wired with Mogami cable?the choice of recording professionals everywhere. The MXL Cube has a beautiful champagne finish and ships in a protective case. The best part about the Cube is that it looks as good as it sounds.

There is no case (foam in a cardboard box) and the transformer seems to be invisible. I tried to post pics but the site is not letting them upload.

 

[crazydoc]

This is the case:

 

[crazydoc]

And this is the transformer:

 

[crazydoc]

Harvey

Any further testing on the MXL 190 since your last post here?

 

[MCI2424]

Just a heads up on the Cube:



There is no case (foam in a cardboard box) and the transformer seems to be invisible. I tried to post pics but the site is not letting them upload.

I just got mine and it came with 2 cases and 2 transformers.

Wowie!!!!

 

[crazydoc]

I just got mine and it came with 2 cases and 2 transformers.

Wowie!!!!

Obviously they sent you mine by mistake. Please ship them to me ASAP.