MXL 606 Instrument Condenser Microphone Studio Drum Kit Set Recording MXL606

Transducer	Gold-sputtered, 6 micron pressure-gradient condenser mic Capsule Size: 0.87″ (22mm)
Frequency Response	30 Hz to 20 kHz
Polar Pattern	Cardioid
Sensitivity	15 mV/Pa
Output Impedance	150Ω
EIN	17 dB (A-weighted IEC 268-4)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	77 dB (Ref. 1 Pa A-weighted)
Max Input Sound Level (SPL)	137 dB @ 0.5% THD
Power Requirement	48V phantom power, ±4V
Dimensions	4.3 x 0.89″ (110 x 23 mm)
Weight	0.25 lb (113 g)

Manufacturer’s Description

The MXL 606 is a small-diaphragm FET condenser designed for instrument miking. It includes both Cardioid and Omnidirectional capsules.

Its sensitivity and self-noise ratings are moderate, at 14 mV/Pa and 17dBA respectively. For close-miking loud sources, as is this mic’s intended application, the self-noise would likely be inaudible.

An onboard pad (-20dB) and high-pass filter (-6dB/octave @ 150Hz) enable the mic to accommodate loud sources — 137dB SPL (0.5%THD). Unlike the MXL 604, the pad and filter on the 606 are on separate switches, enabling them to be used independently or together.

According to MXL staff, the 606 has a cleaner sound than the 603S and 604, due to improved electronics.

Although the 606 includes both Cardioid and Omni capsules, like the MXL 604, these capsules are not compatible from one mic to the other. The 603S/604 are narrower (22mm), and the capsule head construction differs in that the 603S/604 capsules do not include the vents behind the diaphragm.

The MXL 606 includes a plastic clip (MXL p/n MXL H-03) and a metal flightcase (p/n MXL 606 Mic Case). It is compatible with shockmount MXL-41-603, sold separately, as well as any other universal pencil-mic shockmount for 23mm bodies.

This mic appears in MXL’s new (announced 2012) drum recording mic kits, intended for snare-drum use. Its relatively short length and onboard pad are handy features for this application.

Features

• Designed for snare drums, yet useful for all instruments
• -20dB pad for higher SPL recording
• High-pass filter for removing unwanted low frequencies
• Extremely small footprint and easy to place