

MXL 604
Detachable-Capsule Pencil Condenser Microphone
The MXL 604 is a detachable-capsule FET condenser in a classic “pencil mic” form factor. It is similar to the MXL 603S, but adds a high-pass filter and -10dB pad to the 603S design.
Note that the HPF and pad are on the same switch; either the HPF, or the pad can be engaged, but not both simultaneously.
Like the 603/603S, the 604 has a transformerless output circuit that is said to “[provide] a solid bottom and an extremely open top end sound.”
The mic’s capsule, generally referred to as the “603” capsule (because it originally appeared on the MXL 603), has a 17mm diameter diaphragm stacked onto a 20mm backplate, mounted within a 22mm (OD) housing.
It was designed as a copy of the Neumann KM-84 capsule, although in place of Neumann’s “crossed-slits” backplate design, the MXL version uses annular (circular) slits to achieve similar effect. This capsule is generally regarded as an excellent performer for the cost.
The 604’s cardioid and omni capsules are interchangeable with the 603S.
The MXL 604 is supplied with mic clip, a windscreen, and a wood storage box.
Note that the mic’s specs have changed over the years. The manual included with 2010 models shows the self-noise at 18dBA (not 17dBA as previously published), impedance at 200Ω (up from 150Ω), sensitivity at 10mV/Pa (down from 15mV/Pa), and max SPL at 134dB (down from 137dB). Whether these changes reflect improvements in measurement systems, or component changes within the microphone is unknown.
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The mic was released in 2002.
Specifications
Compatible Capsules | ||||||||
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Pads & Filters | Impedance | SPL/Noise |
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200 Ohms (Low) | Max SPL: 134 dB Self-noise: 18.0 dB(A) |
Weight | Length | Max Diameter | Interface(s) |
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130g (4.59oz) | 135mm (5.31'') | 22mm (0.87'') |
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Power Specifications |
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