Marshall electronic MXL USB.007 manual Little Background Information, Unpack Your Microphone

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Congratulations on your purchase of the MXL USB.007 which uses two gold diaphragm capsules in an X/Y pattern for stereo recording. MXL microphones are the result of world-class engineering and manufacturing capabilities. They are de- signed to provide you with outstanding performance and exceptional value. While we encourage you to review this entire manual, there are a few key points about handling this microphone that we want you to familiarize yourself with right from the start.

The MXL USB mics are a professional quality, condenser microphone designed specifically for recording. Unlike microphones designed for live performance or lesser dynamic model microphones, this instrument requires careful handling. Hence, you should observe the following…

ALWAYS… handle the microphone carefully, avoiding sudden shocks such as dropping or bumping the microphone into other objects.

ALWAYS… maintain a distance of approximately 4 – 6 inches when speaking or singing into the microphone. You are encouraged to use a pop filter for added protection of the sensitive capsule and to shield the instrument from saliva and sudden bursts of air.

NEVER… tap the microphone to check if it’s working. The RED LED behind the microphone’s protective grill will tell you it’s on and that the correct side is facing you.

NEVER… blow into the microphone to check if it’s working. The RED LED behind the microphone’s protective grill will tell you it’s on.

By following these few basic handling procedures, you can expect a long and trouble-free relationship with your new microphone. Again, thank you for your purchase of this outstanding MXL microphone.

A Little Background Information

MXL stereo microphones use what is known as a X/Y pattern, which is two cap- sules facing 90º apart. Each capsule will send the audio information it receives to the corrosponding right or left side of a stereo track on the computer. The capsule behind the “L” is more sensitive to sound waves arriving from the left side of the microphone as opposed to those arriving from the right side. The capsule behind the “R” is just the opposite. Unlike other MXL models, this microphone benefits from being a USB (Universal Serial Bus) device—meaning this is a plug and play microphone that will interface with Windows and Macintosh computers without the need for any special drivers. As a USB device, it carries the added benefit of not requiring an external microphone preamp, as is the case with most condenser microphones.

We’ve already mentioned the importance of proper handling, but should you find yourself recording an outdoor performance, you would be well advised to use a windscreen as protection for your microphone.

Unpack Your Microphone

Begin by examining the contents of your MXL USB kit.

You should have the following components:

Protective vinyl travel case

One MXL USB.007 microphone

A 10-foot USB 2.0 high speed cable

A windscreen

A desktop microphone stand plus the mounting ring

Owners manual

Microphone applications guide

Getting Familiar With Your Microphone

In addition to speaking or singing into the side of the microphone with the RED LED facing you, you should also understand the use of the three-position attenu- ation switch on the microphone’s back side.

What’s an attenuation switch?

An attenuation switch reduces the signal strength in an electronic device. As the microphone con- verts acoustical energy (your voice) into electrical energy (the signal that feeds your computer), it is possible that a loud, “boomy” voice, or a vocalist who is really “belting out those notes” may exceed normal recording levels. In this case, you will want to reduce the signal strength by using the micro- phone’s attenuation switch.

The attenuation switch (see Figure #1) on the back side of the USB mic provides three positions: High, Medium, and Low - identified as: Hi, Med, Lo. Normally, you’ll want to keep the microphone’s attenuation switch in the Hi position. If, however, you need to “back off” the signal to compensate for a loud voice, sim- ply move the switch to the desired setting. You may also need to move further away from the microphone which will also reduce the level.

PLEASE NOTE: Recording is a creative process, so there are no hard and fast rules. Experimentation is the key to best results.

Using the Supplied Desktop Microphone Stand

1.After opening the stand’s tripod leg system and placing it on the table or desk, loosen the angle adjuster and orient the large portion of the microphone holder so that it faces upward, or horizontal.

2.Place the base of the microphone into the microphone holder with one hand while holding it upright with your other hand.

 

 

 

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Contents MXL USB.007 Mic Manual Little Background Information What’s an attenuation switch?Using the Supplied Desktop Microphone Stand Unpack Your MicrophoneConnecting the Microphone to Your Computer Windows Testing Your SetupConnecting the Microphone to Your MAC If You Don’t Hear Anything…Setting the MXL USB mic to record in Garage Band Figure #8Figure #11 Figure #12Marshall Electronics