Are you looking for a good, inexpensive USB microphone? There are a few to choose from in the sub $150 range that can produce near studio quality sound. One of these is the MXL 007 USB Microphone from Marshall.
This is a stereo mic, operating at 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz for a smooth, rich sound. This is obviously important for musical vocalists, but is also fantastic for instrumentalists, interviewers, voice-over artists, and podcasters.
Because the MXL USB 007 requires no xlr device, you can simply plug it directly into your laptop computer's usb port and take it with you to a park, a friend's house, a field meeting, or your car.
Many reviews compare the Marshall MXL 007 USB Microphone to condenser studio mics in the $500+ range. The microphone's large gold diaphragm capsules (two) coupled with low noise electronics and ultra modern digital conversion techniques help to produce a final sound that very closely replicates that of a professional recording studio!
The MXL USB 007 can be purchased both online and in your favorite music store.
I've personally made the switch from offline music gear purchases to getting my stuff online. It all depends upon your own personal preferences, but I have a few reasons to support my own preference.
- Offline stores don't have nearly enough competitors to drive the prices down as low as online stores do. This is because your local music shop has maybe five or ten other music stores in town to compete with, whereas online stores have hundreds of competitors.
- I'm not a huge fan of sales tax!
- As part of the spirit of competition, many online retailers offer free shipping on gear!
- I don't have to leave the house or be pressured by a sales person.
- I can shop many stores in a very short period of time – no wasted time or gas!
So that's my little rant about the benefits of buying your gear online, but I digress…
If you want a microphone that produces rich, professional sound, the MXL 007 USB Microphone could definitely be worth your consideration.
In all of my own personal “homework” on USB condensers, I would say the MXL USB 007 actually ranks number one in its price range, with the Blue Microphones USB Snowball Mic and the Audio Technica AT2020 USB following closely behind.
As always, I encourage you to do your own homework to find the best quality instrument at the most reasonable price.
In conclusion, I will say that the MXL 007 is certainly a great investment for the serious home musician, podcaster, or anyone else who believes that portability and low cost need not compromise production quality.
