Feature:
Loved the little desktop tripod it included as well as the hardware gain control. Would love to see real-time monitoring, a la the Rode Podcaster.
Quality:
Included case is a nice touch, unit feels solid and includes necessary adapter and microphone cable, as well as a nifty desktop tripod.
Value:
It has a few more nifty features than the Samson C01U, such as tripod and hardware gain control.
Desirability:
Other than the self-noise problems, I really wanted to keep it. It looks nice, it's solid, and the case and included accessories are neat. But I couldn't look past the high-pitched noise it generates.
Sound:
I got this microphone to record voiceover narration for a video. There are points where there will only be narration, and no music or background audio.
Although it sounds pretty good for a USB mic, there is a noticeable pitch generated by the microphone itself. This self-noise is audible during quiet moments or even when speech is recorded, if you listen carefully.
Other than the noise, the sound is rich and faithful.
Ease of Use:
Just plug it in and it works, at least on my Mac. No special software needed. Hardware gain control helps too.
Support:
I emailed support with questions about their other USB mics and did not receive any response.
Overall:
I was poking around to make myself feel better about buying this microphone over the popular Samson C01U and Snowball, and came across a review of all of these microphones, including the new Rode Podcaster, pitted against each other. The reviewer noted a distinct B-natural pitch from the MXLUSB.006, though it did have less self-noise than the Samson. Check out the review at Emusician, search google for Samson, MXL, Podcaster and you should find it. Between this unit and the Snowball, I would still choose this, because I like the deeper, richer sound, rather than the tinny, airy effect the Snowball gives.
However, I wish I saw that review before I bought the MXL, though the MXL has a rich sound, the noise is unacceptable for my application and I'll be returning it. Though USB mics are notorious for having high self-noise, I replaced the MXLUSB.006 with a Rode Podcaster, and have not noticed significant self-noise problems with the Podcaster.
If MXL fixed the high-pitched noise problem, I'd be all over this microphone.
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