MXL 770

Do you want to get a good microphone for your home studio without breaking the bank? Why not opt ​​for the MXL 770. This is a condenser microphone perfectly suited to small budgets. You are probably wondering if the performance is there with this inexpensive microphone from MXL? What does it offer in terms of sound reproduction? What are its areas of application? What about its manufacturing quality? You will find the answers to your questions in this test.

Focus on the MX brand

Before going into the details of the MXL 770 review, let's focus on this brand for a moment. MXL is probably not the most well-known manufacturer on the market. Unlike popular brands like Neumann and Telefunken, MXL specializes in designing entry-level microphones . Moreover, few MXL microphones cost more than 300 euros.

This manufacturer stands out for its microphones displaying a very attractive price-performance ratio. The MXL 990 is the perfect example. In the catalog of this brand, we mainly find ribbon microphones , condenser microphones, USB microphones and audio headsets.

Among the category of ribbon microphones , the most popular models from this brand are the MXL R77, the MXL 144 and the MXL R144 . In the condenser microphones , the list is long. These include the MXL V67G, the MXL V69M, the MXL V67i, the MXL 2003a, the MXL 990 and the MXL 770.

It is precisely this latest model that is on our test bench today. Let's take a close look at all its technical characteristics . At the end of the test, we will give you our opinion on this microphone .

MXL 770 Microphone Overview

The MXL 770 is a condenser microphone like the AKG C3000 and the Shure SM81. Also called an electrostatic microphone , this type of microphone is equipped with a condenser and a membrane.

The diaphragm of condenser microphones is covered with a thin conductive layer and a fixed part. Between these two frames is a space. These will move closer or further away in response to the vibration generated by acoustic pressure. And it is the difference in movement between these two devices which will generate an electrical voltage .

As for the capacitor, its role is to transform the charge received into an electrical signal before transmitting it to the sound card or preamplifier.

As the MXL 770 falls under the condenser mic category , so you will need an external power supply to start playing with this mic. In particular, the manufacturer recommends using 48 V ( ±4V ) phantom power.

Besides the external power supply, you will also need an XLR cable to connect your mic to your mixer. That said, if you're looking for a model that plugs directly into a computer, you 'll find what you're looking for with a USB microphone . In this category, the most reliable models on the market are the Rode NT USB and the Bleu Yeti .

Featuring a 0.87-inch capsule , the MXL 770 displays a frequency response varying between 30 Hz and 20 kHz . Its impedance is 150 Ohms . It can withstand sound pressure levels of up to 137 dB . Its signal-to-noise ratio is 74 dB . This means that its audio signal level is 74 dB than the noise level.

The build quality of the MXL 770

The 770 comes in a beautiful little storage case. Its sleek look reminds us a lot of vintage Neumann microphones . Its body and grille are entirely made of metal. The band under the grille as well as the gold MXL logo perfectly embellish the microphone.

Just below the MXL 770's grille, there is a gold heart-shaped pattern to reference its polar diagram . In fact, it is a microphone with cardioid polar pattern . This means it was designed to capture the sound sources in front of it. It therefore effectively rejects sounds coming from the rear. As for the sounds on the sides, these are strongly attenuated.

This microphone weighs approximately 450 g . Although it's lighter than higher-end models, its metal chassis looks quite sturdy. This model can therefore accompany you for several years in your recording studio.

The 770 does not come alone in its box. It is in fact accompanied by an anti-shock suspension . This device helps eliminate handling noise as well as vibrations through the microphone stand and the floor.

On the back of the microphone, there are two switches giving the microphone great versatility:

• low frequency reduction switch
• -10 dB signal attenuation pad

Focus on these two features in the following lines.

MXL 770: a model equipped with an attenuation pad and a low-cut filter

The -10 dB attenuator pad , as its name suggests, reduces the microphone output level by less than 10 dB . So, thanks to this device, you can record powerful sound sources without distortion problems.

So remember to activate this option in one of the following cases:

• Recording an electric guitar
• Voice recording of a singer who screams
• Recording a bass drum

As for the high-pass filter (or low-cut filter), this device is used to cut low frequencies and let high frequencies pass. When this switch is activated, low frequencies will be cut from 150 Hz (decrease of 6 dB per octave ).

This is therefore a practical option when recording sound that does not require low frequencies. By activating this switch, you can eliminate extraneous noise and give precision to the sound reproduction.

Let's see a practical case of using this low-cut filter. When recording a deep voice, consider activating this option in order to obtain a nice presence in the midrange.

Another interesting guide : Which microphone to use for singing? Discover through this guide our selection of the best microphones to use to record the voice of a singer. You can also discover in this guide our price comparison of each microphone presented.

Areas of application for the MXL 770 microphone

The MXL 770 is a microphone that can be suitable for everyday use in a professional studio or home studio. Versatile, this model can be used for a wide variety of applications. Here are some examples:

• Voiceover (female voice and male voice)
• Singing (Rap, R&B, rock, classical music, etc.)
• Instruments (acoustic guitar, percussion, piano, etc.)
• Podcast
• Streaming
• Gaming
• YouTube videos
• Video calls on Skype

You will have understood : the MXL 770 is a versatile studio microphone that can be adapted to multiple uses. Note that it particularly shines on recording vocals and capturing an acoustic guitar.

Despite its versatility, however, note that this microphone is not suitable for recording a choir. If you plan to capture the overall ambiance of a room, opt for an omnidirectional microphone like the Rode Wireless Go 2 . Microphones in this category are designed to pick up sounds in a room equally from all directions.

Zoom on the sound quality of the MXL 770

The MXL 770 offers sound quality that has nothing to envy of ordinary condenser microphones. Overall, the sound produced by this mic is natural. We also notice a nice presence in the bass sounds. Which makes this microphone a model that is perfectly suited to recording rap (you can also discover our guide on the best microphone for rap and hip hop).

Tested on a female voice, this microphone delivers remarkable precision in the highs . Furthermore, equipped with a FET preamp , it displays very low background noise.

Another note : this model tends to favor high frequencies. However, you can easily equalize the rendering in post-production.

Large diaphragm condenser microphones are known to be more sensitive to proximity effect compared to dynamic microphones. This model from the MXL brand is no exception to this rule.

So remember to use the sensitivity of the microphone and the proximity effect to optimize the sound reproduction . For example, if you want to accentuate lower voices, don't hesitate to move closer to the mic. Conversely, move a little away from the mic if you want to attenuate low frequencies.

Note that this studio microphone is also sensitive to ambient noise . It is therefore wiser to turn off fans and air conditioners before recording.

For a professional result, don't forget to treat the acoustics of your recording room. Additionally, consider using a pop filter to remove plosives . This device also makes it possible to limit the contact of saliva with the microphone.

The technical characteristics of the MXL 770

• Microphone type: large diaphragm condenser microphone
• Directivity: cardioid
• Frequency response: 30 Hz to 20 kHz
• Sensitivity: 15 mV/Pa
• Impedance: 150 Ohms
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 74 dB
• Maximum SPL: 137 dB (0.5% THD)
• Attenuator pad: -10 dB
• Low cut filter: 6 dB/octave ; 150Hz
• Equivalent noise level: 20 dB
• Power supply type: 48 V (± 4V)
• Dimensions: 60mm x 154mm
• Accessories included: storage case, shockproof suspension

Our opinion on the MXL 770 microphone

In this price range, few condenser microphones offer the same level of performance as the MXL 770. This microphone is ideal for professional use.

It should be noted that the price of the MXT 770 is 40 times cheaper than the Neumann U87 Ai microphone. Despite this big difference in price, this model does not have to be ashamed of its performance. In addition, it is suitable for a wide variety of applications. Whether for recording vocals or acoustic instruments, this model delivers exceptional sound quality.

This microphone tickles high-end microphones in terms of performance. If you plan to use it for vocals, you will certainly not be disappointed with its rendering.

Compared to the MXL 990, the 770 performs better overall. Among other things, with its high SPL (137 dB), the latter can withstand very loud sound sources. This is not the case with the old model which only offers a maximum SPL of 130 dB.

And what about the two switches on the back of the mic? Thanks to the low-cut filter, unwanted noise can be easily eliminated. As for the attenuator, this function allows you to use the microphone to capture powerful sound sources.

In short, getting the 770 can only be a good deal considering what it can bring to a home studio. What's more, its value for money is excellent. Not to mention, this mic comes with a shock mount. This anti-vibration device is very practical when recording the vocals of a singer who tends to sway behind the microphone.

The advantages of the MXL 770:

• Capture sound with clarity and precision
• Affordable price
• Good manufacturing quality
• Versatile
• High sound pressure level
• Good value for money
• Quality shock absorber suspension

What about the disadvantages of this microphone? As with most microphones of this type, some fine-tuning work is required in post-production to get closer to perfection.

Our verdict on the MXL 770: It's an affordable, versatile microphone with good sound quality. We recommend this model to beginners looking for a quality microphone without investing a lot of money.

MXL 770 Demo

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