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www.mxl-usb.com
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Congratulations on your purchase of the MXL USB.008 which uses a large
32mm gold diaphragm capsule for added warmth. MXL microphones are the
result of world-class engineering and manufacturing capabilities. They are
designed to provide you with outstanding performance and exceptional value.
While we encourage you to review this entire manual, there are a few key points
about handling this microphone that we want you to familiarize yourself with
right from the start.
The MXL USB mics are a professional quality, cardioid condenser studio micro-
phone designed specifically for recording. Unlike microphones designed for live
performance or lesser dynamic model microphones,
this instrument requires
careful handling.
Hence, you should observe the following…
ALWAYS…
handle the microphone carefully, avoiding sudden shocks such as
dropping or bumping the microphone into other objects.
ALWAYS…
maintain a distance of approximately 4 – 6 inches when speaking
or singing into the microphone. You are encouraged to use a pop
filter for added protection of the sensitive capsule and to shield
the instrument from saliva and sudden bursts of air.
NEVER…
tap the microphone to check if it’s working. The RED LED
behind the microphone’s protective grill will tell you it’s on and
that the correct side is facing you.
NEVER…
blow into the microphone to check if it’s working. The RED LED
behind the microphone’s protective grill will tell you it’s on and
that the correct side is facing you.
By following these few basic handling procedures, you can expect a long and
trouble-free relationship with your new microphone. Again, thank you for your
purchase of this outstanding MXL microphone.
A Little Background Information
MXL condenser microphones use what is known as a cardioid pickup pattern,
which is more sensitive to sound waves arriving at the front of the microphone
as opposed to those arriving from the sides or rear. Unlike other MXL models,
this microphone benefits from being a USB (Universal Serial Bus) device—
meaning this is a plug and play microphone that will interface with Windows
and Macintosh computers without the need for any special drivers. As a USB
device, it carries the added benefit of not requiring an external microphone pre-
amp, as is the case with most cardioid condenser microphones.
We’ve already mentioned the importance of proper handling, but should you
find yourself recording an outdoor performance, you would be well advised to
use a windscreen as protection for your microphone.
Unpack Your Microphone
Begin by examining the contents of your MXL USB kit.
You should have the following components:
• Protective vinyl travel case
• One MXL USB.008 microphone
• A 10-foot USB 2.0 high speed cable
• A windscreen
• A desktop microphone stand plus the mounting ring
• Owners manual
• Microphone applications guide
Getting Familiar With Your Microphone
In addition to speaking or singing into the side of the microphone with the RED
LED facing you, you should also understand the use of the three-position attenu-
ation switch on the microphone’s back side.
What’s an attenuation switch?
An attenuation switch reduces the signal strength
in an electronic device. As the microphone con-
verts acoustical energy (your voice) into electrical
energy (the signal that feeds your computer), it is
possible that a loud, “boomy” voice, or a vocalist
who is really “belting out those notes” may exceed
normal recording levels. In this case, you will want
to reduce the signal strength by using the micro-
phone’s attenuation switch.
The attenuation switch (see Figure #1) on the back side of the USB mic provides
three positions: High, Medium, and Low - identified as: Hi, Med, Lo. Normally,
you’ll want to keep the microphone’s attenuation switch in the Hi position. If,
however, you need to “back off” the signal to compensate for a loud voice, sim-
ply move the switch to the desired setting. You may also need to move further
away from the microphone which will also reduce the level.
PLEASE NOTE: Recording is a creative process, so there are no hard and fast
rules. Experimentation is the key to best results.
Using the Supplied Desktop Microphone Stand
1. After opening the stand’s tripod leg system and placing it on the table or desk,
loosen the angle adjuster and orient the large portion of the microphone holder
so that it faces upward, or horizontal.
2. Place the base of the microphone into the microphone holder with one hand
while holding it upright with your other hand.
Figure #1
