MXL R144

^# 18

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$129.83 to $135.00 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (7)

2 Reviews

All time low price

0 wishlisted

16 saved

Page last updated Jun 09, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated June 6, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

4.5 (16)

$129.95 $129.83 $0.12 · All time low

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4.5 (19)

$129.83

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4.4 (282)

$129.83 New

$123.34 Used (Like New)

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5.0 (10)

$129.83 6 available New

$110.89 3 available Used

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4.0 (12)

$129.83

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4.7 (35)

$129.83

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4.3 (56)

$136.00 $135.00 $1.00 · All time low

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Average Price: $128

Budget/Beginner

$499

$1500+

Price Tier

In the Ribbon Microphones category, MXL R144 is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "MXL R144". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Delve into the sonic landscape with the MXL R144 Ribbon Microphone, a true craftsman's tool for capturing the essence of both vocals and instruments. Its 1.8 micron aluminum ribbon offers a unique warmth and fidelity, making it a versatile addition to any studio setup. Whether you're laying down vocal tracks, miking an electric guitar, or even stepping into the broadcasting realm, the R144's robust design and high SPL capability ensure your recordings are clear, detailed, and free of distortion. Embrace the rich, mellow tones and witness your sound transform with the MXL R144.

Key Features:

1.8 micron aluminum ribbon provides warmth and clarity for both vocals and instruments.
High SPL capability of up to 130dB, perfect for capturing loud transients without distortion.
Bi-directional pickup pattern allows for versatile microphone placement and recording techniques.
Enhanced midrange and rolled-off highs for rich, mellow tones in your recordings.
Ideal for studio recording, broadcasting, and capturing instruments like horns and electric guitars.

Owner's manual

MXL R144 User Manual

Product specs

Microphone Type	Ribbon
Ribbon Type	1.8-micron Aluminum
Mono/Stereo	Mono
Polar Pattern	Figure-8
Frequency Response	20Hz-17kHz
Max SPL	130dB SPL (1kHz at 0.1% THD)
Output Impedance	250 ohms
Sensitivity	-56dB (0dB = 1V/Pa)
Connector	XLR
Power Source	Passive
Dimensions	6.75" x 1.85"
Weight	0.85 lbs.
Included Accessories	Shockmount, Microfiber Cloth, Hardshell Case

FAQs

Does the MXL R144 require phantom power to operate?: No, the MXL R144 does not require phantom power. In fact, using phantom power can damage the microphone's ribbon element.
What is the polar pattern of the MXL R144, and how does it affect recording?: The MXL R144 features a figure-8 polar pattern, which captures sound equally from the front and back while rejecting sound from the sides, making it ideal for capturing room ambiance and multiple sound sources.
Is the MXL R144 suitable for recording vocals?: Yes, the MXL R144 is suitable for recording vocals, offering a warm and natural sound characteristic of ribbon microphones, which can enhance vocal recordings with smooth, detailed audio.
What are the main applications for the MXL R144 ribbon microphone?: The MXL R144 is versatile and commonly used for recording vocals, acoustic instruments, and as a room mic due to its natural sound and figure-8 polar pattern.
How durable is the MXL R144 ribbon microphone?: While ribbon microphones like the MXL R144 are more delicate due to their thin ribbon element, careful handling and avoiding phantom power can help maintain its durability and longevity.

Videos

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Podcastage

MXL R144 Ribbon Microphone Review / Test

Podcastage

MXL R144 Ribbon Microphone Audio Demo

toneslingercliff

MXL - Male Vocal R144 Ribbon Mic 1080.mov

MXL Microphones

MXL - Female Vocal R144 Ribbon Mic 1080.mov

MXL Microphones

MXL R144 - Acoustic Guitar Demo 1080.mov

MXL Microphones

MXL R144 Ribbon Mic - Guitar Demo 1080.mov

MXL Microphones

MXL R144

Pro Audio and Lighting

Microphone MXL R144 for guitar recording

Tom S

MXL R144 Ribbon Mic - American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

Reviews

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PROS

Great for capturing vintage, warm sound, especially on saxophones and guitars
Excellent at adding low-end character and punch to recordings
Figure 8 pattern offers versatile recording techniques and excellent side rejection
Provides distinct tonal coloration, ideal for backing vocals and instruments
Robust build quality for the price point
Comes with a solid case and shock-mount
Can significantly improve mix quality when paired with other microphones
Offers noticeable improvement in vocal presence for certain ranges
Exceptional value for those entering into ribbon microphone use
Suitable for a variety of applications, including vocals, voiceovers, and acoustic instruments

CONS

Requires a high-quality, low-noise preamp for optimal performance
Sensitive source range can make vocal level control challenging
Not ideal for live vocal applications due to sensitivity
High-end roll-off may necessitate EQ adjustments
Shock mount design and size can limit mic positioning options
Some users report the need for an inline preamp to boost low output
May not match the clarity of more expensive ribbon or condenser microphones
Performance varies significantly with preamp quality; best paired with expensive ones

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MXL R144.

Setup and maintenance

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Placement is crucial for optimal sound; 4 ft in front of the trumpet bell and 45 degrees off-axis is recommended for a balanced tone.
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Turning off phantom power is essential when using the MXL R144 to prevent damage to the microphone's ribbon.
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To mitigate phase issues with the R144, users suggest placing a moving blanket 3ft behind the mic to reduce rear reflections.
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Test the R144 before purchase to ensure it's not damaged, especially if phantom power was previously applied.
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Features and functionality

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The MXL R144 is quieter than dynamic mics and benefits significantly from using a preamp booster for adequate signal strength.
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Comparisons

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The Golden Age Project R1 MKIII is favored over the MXL R144 for its active ribbon design, eliminating the need for an additional preamp and reducing the risk of damage from phantom power.
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The MXL R40 is noted for being smoother and more rounded, while the R144 offers a transparent and accurate sound, making them distinct choices for different applications.
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Use cases and applications

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The MXL R144 provides a smoother and warmer sound for trumpet recording compared to dynamic microphones, making it ideal for self-assessment in practice sessions.
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The R40 is favored for guitar cabinet recordings, with a preference for its smoother sound compared to the R144.
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The R144 excels as a room mic for drums in a mid-side setup, often paired with large diaphragm condensers for a balanced sound.
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Owners find the R144 beneficial for guitar amps, but it requires significant clean gain for optimal performance.
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User experience

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Some users report the R144 sounding phasey due to reflections, suggesting that the R40's identical front and back figure-8 pattern might reduce this issue.
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The R144's mids are described as "round and warm," but the top end may lack clarity when used in isolation.
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Value and pricing

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At $40, the R144 is considered a risky investment due to potential sensitivity issues, but viable if operational and undamaged.
Source

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

ayman_ibrahim

278

almost 11 years ago

Great, High end, CHEAP Ribbon mic

A really cheap ribbon mic,i bought this to have better low end on vocals and instruments, as well to round off that sharp high end i get from the sm57, and this is done beautifully and flawlessly with this mic, anyone spending thousands on ribbon miss without at least trying this is throwing away their money in my opinion

travis_crum

115

over 8 years ago

Just meh. Not very clear but does have that ribbon sound

Just meh. Not very clear but does have that ribbon sound. Only thing about it is that since it's a ribbon (and low quality at that) there can be room for variation in build even if the manufacturing process was very tight.

Roles:

Bassist Keyboardist Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic Dubstep Electro house

jimmarchi1

40997

8 years ago over 8 years ago

a crap ribbon will soon part one from his money, the transformer quality is a big deal, it can be upgraded... lots of great affordable ribbons, check out cascade's fat head 2