SLMC

Grace · Joined: 14 Sep 2007 Posts: 28 Location: Atlanta, GA

I just got a new MXL V67i which (hopefully) will replace/stand in for my current mic, a MXL 2001.

The problem is, I hooked up the V67 and it has a bad buzz when I record. I've tried re-seating it and swapping cables (which all work fine with the 2001).

I noticed that they strongly suggest using Mogami cables - do I need to get a Mogami mic cable and if so, what's the deal?

Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance -
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I'm 1/2 music http://grace.weebly.com and 1/2 perspectives http://phasinggrace.blogspot.com

Yeah, I am a hick. I am naive, and I am sincere and it's wonderfully unfashionable. - M Shocked

Zak Claxton · Joined: 16 Oct 2007 Posts: 2008 Location: Podul/33/243/154/

Okay...

First, no mic should ever buzz under any circumstances. I know the MXL's are cheap, but a built-in buzz isn't worth any price.

Second, you're looking at the right thing. Buzzes are often cable problems. However, if the cable doesn't buzz on one mic but does buzz on another, the problem is NOT the cable; it's the mic.

Third, if you've proven (via the test above) that the buzz is not the cable, no other cable (Mogami or otherwise) will help. In fact, it's pretty silly attaching a high-end cable to a low-end mic. It's like putting caviar on a cheeseburger.

Grace, if this mic is new, return it and get another one. Nearly every music retailer has a policy that will allow this. And if you're not totally tied to the MXL brand, I might have some other suggestions for you in the same price range. And if you need other help in this regard, let me know.
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Grace · Joined: 14 Sep 2007 Posts: 28 Location: Atlanta, GA

Thanks Zak .. where were you last week when I needed your sage advice?? Wink

I'm not tied to any brand, I'm a total newb ... and now I know who to tap on the shoulder the next time.

Many thanks
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I'm 1/2 music http://grace.weebly.com and 1/2 perspectives http://phasinggrace.blogspot.com

Yeah, I am a hick. I am naive, and I am sincere and it's wonderfully unfashionable. - M Shocked

vonjohin · Joined: 19 Sep 2007 Posts: 458 Location: Nashville, TN

Zak is spot on. Normally that is an amazing sounding microphone, especially for the money. I know of several big studios here that use and love them. I have a pair. Check the cable on other microphones.... no buzz, it's the microphone and probably an easy fix for anyone nearby handy with audio electronics and a soldering iron.

Zak Claxton · Joined: 16 Oct 2007 Posts: 2008 Location: Podul/33/243/154/

My day job, the one that allows me to eat and not be homeless and stuff like that, has been in the music/audio products industry for nearly 20 years. I'm more than happy to give you any answers I have, or any insider scoop on what's good, bad, or otherwise. Smile

The MXL V67i isn't a bad mic, really. I don't have a lot of faith in MXL's ability to consistently build high-quality mics in China, so it's a crap shoot; some work fine, others are dead on arrival. I think you may have randomly received a crappy one... it happens.

One question: why did you feel a need to get a dual-capsule mic? I realize that it may seem to provide more tonal variations (different capsules on each side of the mic), but to me, it's twice as many things that can be screwed up. Very Happy

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