In the past few post about recording, you might have seen reference to the MXL V67G. This microphone was bought as a cheaper alternative to the favored sE Electronics 2200a.
Background
So, I knew with light audio recording, I needed one mic to do everything. Because duh, this whole thing is focused on keeping things compact.
However, the 2200a that I use is discontinued. And its latest version costs $300. Although I picked mine up as a used bargain, they’re not so readily available in the US. And, quite frankly, $300 – while not the most you could spend on a microphone by any stretch – is still a lot of money to many people.
It’s not right to keep using a mic that doesn’t completely sit with the very ethos of this website.
Additionally, I was broke, and wanted to get a cheaper microphone so I could make a few bucks on selling my 2200a.
Consequently, with all these factors in mind, I went mic shopping.
I started on Amazon by searching for “large diaphragm condenser microphone,” and then showed results priced low to high. There were some for less than $14, but I didn’t recognize the brand, and I didn’t want to buy something that completely sucked.
Apart from the price, and brand recognition, the colors of the V67G caught my eye!
After checking some reviews, I decided to pull the trigger on it!
MXL V67G: specs
| Diaphragm | 6 micron gold-sputtered |
| Polar pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency response | 30 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 15 mV/Pa |
| Impedance | 200 Ohm |
| Equivalent Noise Level | 20 dB |
| THD | <0.5% (at 130 dB SPL) |
| Dimensions | 1.85″ (47 mm) x 7.24″ (184 mm) |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 0.6 kg |
Yeah. I mean, as with the review of the 2200a, I don’t know much about these numbers.
So, let’s leave them there for those who are interested, while the rest of us put the mic in front of things.
In use
When it arrived, I unpacked the box to find the mic itself, a carry bag, a mic stand clip, and an adapter for narrower mic stands.
Obviously, I was keen to try it on everything. As I have noted, that’s the whole point of the mic. But, unfortunately, I had already completed drums for the track I was working on. However, we’ll get to see how that works next time!
Firstly, I tried it with some electric guitar. I recorded some with both the V67G and the 2200a, both set up identically. I couldn’t tell the difference. A master producer may feel differently, but not I.
Secondly, I used it for spoken word for a podcast. I didn’t have time to do a comparative test, but certainly, there was nothing obviously “wrong” or “bad” about the results.
Next, over at Astoria SoundWorks, I brought the V67G to record vocals, and a little bit of clapping. Particularly with the vocals, but perhaps more noticeably than other mics I’ve used, there was a lack of “sparkle”.
Now, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and my own voice has a lot to do with it, but it may be something other producers would be mindful of.
Finally, I used the V67G for tambourine and shakers. It’s hard to mess those up to be honest. I think they sounded perfectly fine.
MXL V67G: conclusion
| Price: you just can’t argue with it | Presence: I’m not sure if that’s the right description, but it lacks the sparkle of more expensive mics |
| Color: in a product area that relies heavily on black and gray, there’s no danger of misplacing the V67G | The holder: it feels very plastic and flimsy – I may invest in a proper shockmount |
| Versatility: I’m sure this can be used for everything | None: not at this price |
So, if you haven’t gathered by now – I’m pleased with what the V67G has been doing for me.
At least, for light audio recording, it absolutely does the job. However, if you’re looking for something that will do more than just the proverbial job, you are going to have to drop more cash than this.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a versatile mic, at a reasonable price, that won’t get lost among the rest of your gear, certainly, the V67G is a strong recommendation.
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