recordinghacks

Wide CardioidMXL 603S

Wide Cardioid Pencil Condenser Microphone

MXL 603S

Description

The MXL 603 is a small-diaphragm pencil condenser mic that is well regarded on the pro audio forums for use in typical SDC applications such as drum overheads and acoustic guitar. It is also a common platform for mods.

The diaphragm measures 20mm in diameter; the 6-micron membrane is coated with gold.

The transformerless preamp circuit uses a 2SK170BL FET and is based on the Schoeps CM4 design. Internal wiring uses Mogami cables.

The mic body has a satin silver finish. It ships with a mic clip.

Harvey Gerst

Marshall MXL-603 … This was a flat-out winner, folks. Almost identical to the MC012 in sound.

MojoPie

Initially, I was surprised and impressed at how much MX603 indeed does sound like an Oktava MC012. After a lot of use, I got over this first impression. In a nutshell, you’re not going to get a lot of bass out of these mics. It is slightly brighter than most small diaphragm condensers on the market including the MC012…

The MXL 603S is also known as: 603.

The mic was released in 2000.

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
  • Wide Cardioid (30 - 20,000 Hz)
Diaphragm size Impedance Max SPL
20mm (0.79'') 150 Ohms (Low (50-1000 Ohms)) 137 dB
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
136g (4.80oz) 133mm (5.24'') 22mm (0.87'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Requires Phantom Power
  • Phantom voltage: 48v

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