MXL Microphones is now shipping the MXL.007 USB Stereo Condenser Microphone, a mic that features two gold diaphragm capsules with an X/Y pick-up pattern, designed to capture a big, rich sound with excellent spatial imaging.

Unlike most condenser microphones, the MXL.007 is a USB (Universal Serial Bus) mic that connects directly to a computer without the need for external mic preamps. Featuring support for USB 1.1 and 2.0, the mic includes gain adjustment settings via a built-in three position attenuation switch.

The microphone is optimized for capturing a wide range of musical performances—both vocal and instrumental—and delivers realism with broad spatial imaging, thanks to a 90-degree X/Y stereo pick-up pattern. The MXL.007 USB also has a maximum SPL (Sound Pressure Level) rating of 137 dB—making it an good choice for capturing loud instruments such as trumpet, saxophone, or electric guitar.

The new MXL.007 USB ships with a travel case, a desktop microphone stand, a 10-foot USB cable, a windscreen, an owner’s manual, and an applications guide. As a plug and play device for Windows and Macintosh, the mic requires no special drivers.

The MXL.007 USB Stereo Condenser Microphone carries an MSRP of $229.95 and is available now.

Details:

The MXL.007 USB features twin gold capsules (22 mm each) and this pressure-gradient stereo condenser microphone features a 20 Hz-20 kHz frequency response. This exceptional microphone also provides a 3-position, switchable attenuation pad with settings for Hi (0 dB), Medium (-5 dB), and Lo (-10 dB), making it easy to configure the microphone to virtually any sound source.

The digital section of the microphone features a 16-bit Delta Sigma A/D converter with sampling rates of 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz. Protecting the instrument’s capsule is a heavy-duty wire mesh grill with an integrated pop filter, and behind the wire mesh, there is an LED activity light to aid users in properly orienting the microphone toward the sound source.

“For capturing live performances, this new offering is ideal, as its polar pattern enables the microphone to deliver a broad spatial stereo image,” said Wayne Freeman, MXL’s Director of Sales and Marketing. “The ability to actually hear the placement of performers throughout the stereo field is, unquestionably, one of this microphone’s most significant attributes.”