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CardioidMXL Drum Cube Pro

Cardioid Condenser Microphone

The Drum Cube Pro is a Cardioid condenser microphone intended for close-miked drum applications. It is identical to the MXL Cube, aside from the exterior finish and product name.

Both microphones are transformerless, large-diaphragm FET condenser with high sensitivity (20 mV/Pa) and reasonably low self-noise (14 dBA). Although initially released as a general-purpose mic, the Cube was subsequently found to excel on toms. The mic was then relaunched as the “Drum Cube.”

MXL Drum CubeThe pictured “Drum Cube Pro” branding appears to have been retired as of late 2013. Although some vendors still list the product, in our case the microphone that actually arrived was branded simply “MXL Cube.”

The capsule is a 32mm K67-type, center-terminated, with a blank rear diaphragm (which is common for Cardioid-only mics). The diaphragm material is 6-micron Mylar.

Drum Cube PCBsThe mic’s circuit is made with a combination of surface-mount and through-hole parts. The DC power circuit appears to be implemented primarily with through-hole components. The JFET and key capacitors on the audio board are surface-mount parts.

Capsule polarization voltage is 61VDC in the sample we analysed. Circuit frequency response is linear from 10Hz–24kHz. 2nd harmonic distortion performance is very good, at 55–60dB below signal, 20–20kHz. 3rd harmonic is 50dB below signal above 200Hz, and 30–40dB below signal below 200Hz.

DIY note: the Cube case is difficult to open. It requires an adjustable pin wrench with 2'' pins, or long needle-nose pliers.

The Cube ships with the MXL-V6-H ring mount, a cleaning cloth, and a vinyl storage pouch.

Permalink: MXL Drum-Cube-Pro

Specifications

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
Cardioid (20 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)
Capsule Dimensions Impedance SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 25mm
Capsule diameter: 32mm
Diaphragm gauge: 6 microns
100 Ohms (Low) Max SPL: 132 dB
Self-noise: 14.0 dB(A)
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
385g (13.58oz) 120mm (4.72'') 52mm (2.05'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Requires phantom power
  • Phantom voltage: 48±4v

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