Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $135

Standard/Professional

$100

$401+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "MXL 603 Condensor Microphone Pair". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 22, 2026.

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Description

For musicians and audio engineers who demand exceptional clarity and precision, the MXL 603 Condenser Microphone Pair is a game-changer. Engineered with a transformer-less design, these microphones deliver a solid low end and an extraordinarily open high end, making them ideal for capturing the subtleties of acoustic instruments and vocals alike. Whether you're recording in a project studio or on stage, these mics bring a touch of European and Japanese craftsmanship to your setup—without breaking the bank.

Internally wired with Mogami cables, the MXL 603 ensures a low-noise floor and crystal-clear fidelity, enhancing the richness of every note. The stereo pair includes hand-picked, cardioid-pattern microphones, perfectly matched for stereo recording of instruments like percussion and piano. With the addition of high-isolation shock mounts and a convenient aluminum flight case, this package is as robust and versatile as it is high-performing.

Perfectly suited for both the budding musician and the seasoned professional, the MXL 603 Condenser Microphone Pair offers a superior recording experience, ensuring your tracks stand out with exceptional detail and warmth.

Key Features:

  • Stereo pair of cardioid condenser microphones
  • Transformer-less design for enhanced sound clarity
  • Mogami internal wiring for low noise and high fidelity
  • 20 mm gold-plated, 3-micron thin large diaphragm
  • Frequency range: 30 Hz - 20 kHz
  • Sensitivity: 15 mV/Pa with 200 Ohm impedance
  • Signal-to-noise ratio: 77 dB (A-weighted)
  • Maximum sound pressure: 137 dB at 0.5% THD
  • Requires 48V phantom power
  • Includes 2 shock mounts and a durable aluminum case

Owner's manual

MXL 603 Condensor Microphone Pair User Manual

Product specs

Available since June 2006
Battery Powered No
Directional Microphone No
Stereo Pair Yes
switchable lowcut No
switchable pad No
characteristic cardoid

FAQs

What is the primary application for the MXL 603 Condenser Microphone Pair?

The MXL 603 Condenser Microphone Pair is primarily designed for recording acoustic instruments and vocals in studio settings, offering a wide, flat-frequency response ideal for capturing detailed sound.

Are the MXL 603 microphones a matched pair?

Yes, the MXL 603 microphones are a matched pair, meaning they are hand-selected to have identical sensitivity and frequency response, ensuring consistent stereo recording quality.

What polar pattern do the MXL 603 microphones use?

The MXL 603 microphones feature a cardioid polar pattern, which is excellent for isolating the sound source while minimizing background noise and room reflections.

Do the MXL 603 microphones require phantom power?

Yes, the MXL 603 microphones require phantom power to operate, as they are condenser microphones.

Are the MXL 603 microphones suitable for live performance?

While primarily designed for studio use, the MXL 603 microphones can be used in live settings, though they are best suited for controlled environments due to their sensitivity.

MXL Microphones

MXL Microphones

MXL 603 Acoustic Guitar Demo

Video thumbnail for MXL 603   Acoustic Guitar Demo by MXL Microphones

MXL 603 Acoustic Guitar Demo

MXL Microphones

MXL Microphones

Video thumbnail for MXL 603 - XY Drum Overheads Demo 1080.mov by MXL Microphones

MXL 603 - XY Drum Overheads Demo 1080.mov

MXL Microphones

MXL Microphones

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent budget-friendly option for recording

  • Can be a great alternative to more expensive mics with modification

  • Captures full and bright sound on various sources

  • Ideal for drum overheads, versatile across genres and dynamics

CONS

  • Sound quality is mediocre without modifications

  • Enhanced highs can be harsh on certain instruments like guitars and cymbals

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MXL 603 Condensor Microphone Pair.

Use cases and applications

  • MXL 603's are frequently used with an M-Audio DMP-3 preamp and are noted as "simply amazing" for their price.

    Source
  • The MXL 603s are noted to be "tolerable" on certain acoustics that have a bass-heavy sound, where their distortion can be beneficial.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • MXL 603's can be modified to improve quality, although specific mod details were not provided.

    Source

Comparisons

  • MXL mics are noted as a significant upgrade from basic dynamic mics traditionally used by beginners.

    Source
  • The MXL 603s are compared favorably to the SM81 for drum overheads, with a preference for their "etched and glassy" sound, despite being less expensive.

    Source
  • Users have found the MXL 603s less suitable for solo acoustic guitar recordings due to their "etched and glassy" characteristics, which can be obtrusive.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • MXL 603's are highlighted for their outstanding value, particularly for budget-conscious buyers.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report the MXL 603s have noticeable distortion in the mic amps, impacting high-frequency clarity, which can be a drawback for certain recording contexts.

    Source

Critic Reviews

MXL 603S Review

recordinghacks.com

The MXL 603S microphones impress with their vibrant top end, making them ideal for acoustic guitar and snare in jazz settings. While they may be too bright as overheads in rock sessions, they shine on older cymbals. With a street price of $80, these mics are a steal for musicians seeking quality sound on a budget.

positive
Add

4.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
bommel

totally underrated

These mices sound full and bright and i never sold them because they sound great on many sources. BUT they get one star less because the enhanced highs can sound harsh on some guitars and cymbals.

jimmarchi1

swap them for a pair of rode NT5s.... flatter response.... the NT5 can actually be modded to sound even better and its very pelasant and hoenst stock. If you don't want a stylized sm81 type OH sound or something in the neumann style like the oktava mk012? rode. Best <$500 sdc pair

i_am_dost

Good microphones if modified

The mics are meh out of the box. When modified, they can be a very km 184 replacement that doesn't cost over a grand.

fawbak

Great Overhead Mics

If you're on a budget but if you're like me and just want to capture an honest sound of whatever you're recording (drums for example) these are great overhead mics. I only use 4 mics. 2 overheads, snare, kick drum and I love the way these pick up the cymbals.

marcus_wilkins

Overheads

These are my main drum overheads. They capture the sound of my kit no mater the genre or dynamics.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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