MXL 770 Cardioid Condenser Vocal Microphone Operational Guide
- October 27, 2023
- MXL
Table of Contents
MXL 770 Cardioid Condenser Vocal Microphone
Introduction
The remarkable price/performance ratio of the MXL 770 condenser microphone continues to astound recording artists all around the world. Rappers in particular adore the 770 for its strong bass and prominent high-end. Even for a wide dynamic range, the MXL 770 uses a premium FET preamp with balanced output. This item is ideal for musicians who want a high-quality condenser mic but don’t want to spend a fortune. Response to frequency: 30Hz to 20kHz.
SPECIFICATIONS
FREQUENCY CHART
POLAR PATTERN
CONTENTS
Unpack your MXL 770 Microphone package carefully and verify that all of the following items are included:
- MXL 770 Condenser Microphone
- MX-57 Shockmount
CARRYING CASE
If any of these items are missing or damaged, contact the company from which you purchased the microphone.
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
This microphone has a twenty-millimeter gold-sputtered diaphragm and a fixed cardioid pickup pattern. Condenser microphones are very sensitive, readily revealing very subtle sonic details. They also tend to pick up sounds outside the pattern more than some designs, which can lead to powerful feedback if you are not careful. We strongly advise experimentation with placement and isolation requirements with the gain initially set low to avoid equipment (and ear) damage. It is strongly advised to use a mesh pop-filter to avoid moisture from damaging the capsule.
POWER REQUIREMENTS
IMPORTANT
This unit requires phantom power at 48 volts, +/-4 volts, in order to operate. Each unit has been thoroughly checked before shipping, so if you do not hear sound, check that the phantom power on your mixer or separate power supply is switched on!
MICROPHONE CABLE
The microphone cable can have a profound effect on the sound of any microphone. Even the finest microphone will sound poor if the interconnect cable allows noise to enter or causes distortion and loss of information. We recommend that you use the best microphone cable that your budget will allow.
SHOCK MOUNT
The MXL shock mount can shift in shipment. Simply shift the nylon bands to center the microphone in the assembly. Be sure that the wire clamp does not rest on the chassis of the mount, as this impairs mechanical isolation. Slide the mount all the way to the rim of the microphone for the most secure hold.
BASS ROLL-OFF SWITCH
The 770 features a bass roll-off switch to help reduce proximity effect. Proximity effect is distortion that often occurs when a sound source is too close to the mic. Some microphone patterns boost bass as you get closer to the micro-Phone; cardioid mics, for instance, tend to boost bass. The bass roll- off switch reduces the low frequencies for a more full range sound.
-10DB SWITCH
The 770 can be used in very loud sonic environments without significant distortion. If you hear distortion from the microphone, engage the “-10dB pad” on the rear of the microphone to the 10dB position. You may also move the microphone farther away from the sound source.
CARE
Dust and foreign material can degrade the performance of a microphone over time, so always store the unit in its box. For vocals closer than3″, use a pop filter or a foam windscreen to avoid getting moisture on the diaphragm as this can substantially degrade the microphone’s performance. Store the microphone in its original packaging in a cool, dry place along with the included packet of silica gel.
WARRANTY
MXL microphones are guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. If you encounter any problem with this unit, promptly contact the company from which you purchased it for assistance. The original dated sales receipt will be necessary for any warranty claim. Do not send any unit directly to us without prior authorization from our service department. Warranty coverage is limited to repair or replacement (at our option) of the microphone, and does not cover incidental damages due to use of this unit, nor damage caused by accidental misuse of this product.
FAQs
How noticeable is the high-end (~5-20kHz) peak and how flat would this mic’s response sound next to the V67G?****
I use mine for vocal…I was so delighted with them I now have 5.. for the money I was well pleased.
What cheap phantom power supply should you use for this mic?****
MXL’s specs indicate that this mic requires 48 volts of Phantom Power, not uncommon for any condenser mic, but it’s well beyond the capability of the Behringer Xenyx 302 interface-mixer, which is rated at 15V. Insert the words “48V Phantom Power” in Amazon’s search box for numerous solutions. Behringer offers the following recommendation: “A simple and cost effective solution should you require full phantom power with the Xenyx 302 or 502 is to use a Behringer PS400 supply box, simply plug into the PS400 using an XLR cable connected to the microphone, then use another XLR cable from the PS400 into the mic input of the Xenyx mixer.”
How do I hook up the MXL 770 to my PC to get broadcast quality?****
Highest quality way is to get a proper Audio Interface with ASIO drivers (low latency) like the Focusrite Solo for $99.
Can someone comment a link to a song you have on YouTube or SoundCloud that you recorded with this mic****
I stream on a 3d platform called Second Life. at 2:30 mins in are three songs with me on this mic https://youtu.be/SVwZ6fxktCg.
Good for voice dictation?****
Yes.
I am very new to all this so: what do I need to get this thing starting? like is it enough to just buy this and that’s it or what else do I need?****
The basics you will need for this is a microphone cable, audio interface to hook the mic up to, a computer with recording software, and a stand to hold the mic. Amazon has all of these things.
Is this standard xlr?****
Yes it’s standard xlr and it requires 48 volt phantom power I recommend the Behringer 802 to go with this mic.
Is this good for rap and pop music?****
I use it for rap ,comedy,drops anything. It works great.
What mic stand screw size is the mount for this?****
This is not screw type , it is clip type mount
does it mount upright on a mic stand?****
Yes… it comes with a shockmount and you will be able to adjust it to your comfort level when you install it on a mic stand.
What is the warranty and who does it?****
I believe there is a one year warranty from MXL.
Someone please tell me how to connect this mic to my computer? I am just trying to record my kid’s piano recital.****
You need to connect the MXL 770 Microphone to an audio interface that offers 48V phantom power like the Behringer U-PHORIA UM2 or UMC22. This condenser mic cannot be connected directly to a computer.
Is the MXL good for recording let’s plays and talking on Skype and TeamSpeak?****
Absolutely! Provided you have a mixer and a phantom power supply. I use mine for Let’s Plays and talk with my friends in Skype often.
Can I plug studio monitor headphones directly into the mic as with my blue yeti?****
No. This is an XLE Mic You will need an audio interface to monitor the output and to input audio into your computer.
So just to be clear, does this work well to block sounds from other directions? I’m a let’s player, and my current mic picks up game audio****
This is a musician’s mic for stage purposes. Not sure what you mean about gaming and outside audio. If you are performing on a stage or elsewhere, this mic has the ability to block out sound but it’s also based on how you set it up.