MXL V89 | NewMediaGear

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The MXL V89 sounds as good as it looks.

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Trade shows really haven’t changed much over the years. There is information overload, a lot of walking, bad and expensive food. …kind of like a theme park that can be used as a write-off?

The redeeming part of trade shows, and the reason to attend always comes down to the people and relationships. Products can be sent by UPS, but talking with old friends and meeting people that had only been a voice on the phone is priceless.

That sums up our relationship with MXL. MXL was one of our very 1st supporters back in 2005. I remember the beautiful V69 Mogami, which we still use today in post-production.

Fast forward to 2009 and the InfoComm show here in Orlando. The people are still great and the products just keep getting better.

This show will focus on the beautiful MXL V89 large diaphragm condenser. Inside the cherry wood, velvet-lined box, the XXL size of the mic body reminded me of an old tube friend.

However, the V89 is solid-state all the way. MXL went the extra mile and included a custom-fit, welded mount with a threaded mate to the mic. Dressed in grey and polished silver, it’s an impressive piece on the boom. A foam wind sock was also included, but I didn’t need it.

At 1.26″, this is definitely a Large condenser. The sound is very silky for an FET. It’s amazingly quiet, considering the sensitivity and dynamic range. The proximity effect is there, but it’s more subtle than I would have thought. While silky smooth, the V89 is not boomy.

Before I describe the sound too much, why not tune in and have a listen? I’ve warmed up the phantom power and we’re ready to light up a few hard drive sectors.

Street price at record time – $399