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Description
Discover classic warmth and vintage charm with the MXL 860 Ribbon Microphone. This versatile microphone is a must-have for any studio or live performance setup, delivering a smooth, rich sound that captures the essence of your instruments with unparalleled detail. The MXL 860 is housed in a compact, durable metal enclosure, ready to withstand the rigors of daily use while maintaining its elegant appeal. With its bidirectional polar pattern, this microphone excels at capturing the ambient nuances of your recording environment, ensuring every session is enriched with depth and character.
Engineered for high SPL handling, the MXL 860 is perfect for recording loud guitar amplifiers or powerful brass sections without fear of distortion. Its exquisite sensitivity and natural sound reproduction make it an ideal choice for vocals, acoustic instruments, and overhead drums, giving your recordings a professional edge. Elevate your audio projects with the MXL 860 and experience the authentic sound that only a quality ribbon microphone can provide.
Key Features:
- Bidirectional polar pattern for comprehensive sound capture
- High SPL handling for recording loud sources
- Compact and durable metal enclosure
- Ideal for vocals, acoustic instruments, and loud amplifiers
- Natural sound reproduction with vintage warmth
Product specs
| Brand | MXL |
| Model | 860 Ribbon |
| Year | 2010s |
| Categories | Microphones |
FAQs
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What type of polar pattern does the MXL 860 Ribbon microphone have?
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The MXL 860 Ribbon microphone features a bidirectional (figure-8) polar pattern, which picks up sound equally from the front and back while rejecting sound from the sides, making it ideal for capturing room ambiance and multiple sound sources.
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Is the MXL 860 Ribbon microphone suitable for recording vocals?
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Yes, the MXL 860 Ribbon microphone is well-suited for recording vocals, as its smooth frequency response and natural sound capture the nuances of a vocal performance with warmth and clarity.
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Can the MXL 860 Ribbon microphone handle high sound pressure levels?
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Ribbon microphones like the MXL 860 are generally sensitive to high SPLs, so it's important to use them with care around loud sound sources to avoid damage to the ribbon element.
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What kind of sound characteristics can I expect from the MXL 860 Ribbon microphone?
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The MXL 860 Ribbon microphone offers a warm and natural sound with a smooth high-frequency roll-off, making it excellent for capturing the rich tones of instruments and vocals.
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Does the MXL 860 Ribbon microphone require phantom power?
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No, the MXL 860 Ribbon microphone does not require phantom power, and applying it can potentially damage the microphone, so ensure your preamp or interface is set accordingly.
Reviews
PROS
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Smooth, natural sound with minimal need for EQ adjustments
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Provides compression-like quality straight out of the box
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Excellent for vocals and acoustic guitar recording
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Comparable sound quality to more expensive models like Royer 101
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Budget-friendly option for a ribbon microphone
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High utility without relying on additional effects like EQ or compressors
CONS
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MXL 860 Ribbon.
Use cases and applications
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The MXL 860 ribbon mic is praised for reliability over years in use, particularly noted for guitar cab recordings alongside dynamic mics.
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Ribbon mics, like the MXL 860, are praised for capturing tone and space in bass drum applications, complementing other mics like Shure Beta 52 and AKG C214.
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Ribbons, such as the MXL 860, can serve as a versatile "center kit" mic, capturing a balanced sound from the drum set, especially in open tunings.
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The MXL 860 is frequently utilized as overheads or on electric guitar, paired with a brighter mic to suit the desired sound profile of the recording session.
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Mods and upgrades
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Users recommend trying a MicParts RK-47 capsule mod in MXL mics for significantly improved sound, turning budget microphones into higher-performing tools.
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User experience
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The MXL R144 ribbon mic, priced around $100, is favored for its sound quality despite occasional quality control issues, with some models arriving non-functional.
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Owners find the MXL 860 to be a darker-sounding ribbon microphone, which can be advantageous in taming overly bright sources when used as overheads.
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Comparisons
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MXL 860 performs well over time, noted alongside MXL R80, as a great budget ribbon microphone option without significant drawbacks.
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Value and pricing
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MXL mics, while affordable, often benefit from DIY mods to compete with higher-end models, offering a cost-effective path to better sound quality.
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Features and functionality
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The MXL 990, although marketed as an LDC, houses a small diaphragm, making it more akin to a pencil mic, impacting its tonal characteristics.
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The MXL 860's figure-8 pattern is noted to be less ideal in low or reflective ceilings, emphasizing the need for careful placement in untreated rooms.
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Build quality
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The MXL 860 is noted for its robust housing, which helps prevent the ribbon from coming loose due to physical mishandling.
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Setup and maintenance
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
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