MXL 9000

Like the MXL 960 and the Stellar CM-3 microphones reviewed below, the MXL 9000 is a tube condenser microphone that requires a dedicated, external power supply in order to operate. According to MXL, the 9000 uses a 12AT7, a miniature dual triode vacuum tube. I was unable to confirm this visually as the only marking on the tube is “MXL.” The 12AT7 is in the same tube family as the 12AX7; however, the 12AT7 has slightly less gain. My understanding is that the lower gain of the 12AT7 yields a signal that isn’t quite as hot, thus providing a “cleaner” signal.

My tests confirm that this microphone does indeed produce a very clean sound when used on acoustic instruments. Proximity effect is noticeable, but not quite as prominent as the Stellar CM-3 reviewed below (the CM-3 really shouldn’t be used as a vocal mic anyway). I did notice a very slight “eshiness” with the MXL 9000, but it wasn’t objectionable. In fact, this microphone seems to have a fairly smooth overall response. The MXL 9000 possesses a “warm” quality that seems typical of tube condenser microphones.

As with the MXL 960, the MXL 9000 presents a good platform for modification. The microphone is easily disassembled to facilitate tube substitutions, capsule replacement and other circuitry modifications. With that being said, I found the MXL 9000 to be a very good microphone in its stock form.