I don’t recommend this mic for vocals as it is extremely sensitive to plosive syllables and wind noise. The mic comes supplied with a windscreen made of rather dense foam. I strongly recommend its use in any environment where there is even the slightest breeze. I would only consider it for sound reinforcement indoors where this sort of thing can be controlled.
The MXL 603S has received excellent reviews elsewhere and is the subject of a modification process by Michael Joly, which (allegedly) results in much-improved sonic qualities. I must say that, even in its stock form, this microphone is an excellent choice for acoustic string instruments.
Update 1/17/2010: I tested two MXL 603’s with an 1898-vintage Sohmer upright piano and they sounded excellent. They have a very smooth response in both the bass and treble registers, with just the right amount of crispness without sounding edgy. I would not hesitate to use these microphones on any acoustic piano, particularly upright or spinet models.
Mike,
ReplyDeleteWould this be good for an 5 string banjo which is quite "crisper" and not as deep sounding as an acoustic guitar? I play with electric amplified instruments at times. I am unhappy with the internal "pickup" I installed and want to go back to a traditional microphone.
Hi George!
ReplyDeleteI trust this would be for sound reinforcement in a live performance scenario. Although the MXL 603S might work quite well as a studio mic for 5-string banjo, the 603S’s sensitivity and pickup pattern might potentially create a feedback problem on stage, especially if you use stage monitors. It’s also a rather fragile mic as the capsule is relatively exposed.
For live-performance, you might want to look at the Shure SM-57. You’ve probably used one of these before. The Shure SM-57 is an industry-standard sound reinforcement mic and should work very well on banjo. Another mic you can try is the Shure SM-58.
Both the SM-57 and SM-58 are dynamic microphones that use the same moving coil pickup; however, the design of the SM-58 yields more proximity effect and is more popular with vocalists. I would try both and see which one you prefer. The SM-57 has a flatter response curve, both are unidirectional and *much* less prone to feedback as the MXL 603S would be.
Another important consideration is that the Shure SM-57 and SM-58 microphones are both built like tanks and can take an incredible amount of abuse and still work fine. This is one of the main reasons they’re so popular and Shure’s best-selling mics. You can just about run over them with a steam roller and they’ll still work. There’s even a YouTube clip of someone deliberately trying to destroy an SM-58. They dropped it, boiled it in water, ran over it with a vehicle, etc. and it still worked!
Both the SM-57 and SM-58 run about $100.00 USD/each anywhere they’re sold. Shure doesn’t permit its distributors to offer discounts on their products. You might be able to find a used SM-57 or SM-58 on Ebay for less, but not by much. Personally, I’d just buy a new one. Be careful though. These microphones are widely copied by counterfeiters, so make sure you buy from a bona fide Shure distributor like musiciansfriend.com, etc.
Keep on pluckin’! :)