MXL 960 User Manual

Marshall Electronics, Inc.

Product Innovation Through Technical Excellence!

1910 East Maple Ave. El Segundo, CA 90245

Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone] E-Mail:[e-mail]

Internet: www.MXLmics.com

Thank you for purchasing the MXL 960 Tube studio-recording microphone. With proper care, this mic will

provide many years of satisfaction. For best results, please take a few moments to review this literature.

General Characteristics

This microphone has an internal vacuum tube preamp and does not require additional external pre­amplification. As tubes are well known to generate heat, it is preferable that the MXL 960 be used in an
inverted position. Always insure that the MXL 960 is securely seated in the included clip. Additionally, do not
“hot plug” the mic. Always make sure that the power supply is off when plugging and unplugging the
included seven-pin mic cable from the microphone. Large capsule tube condensers are very sensitive,
readily revealing very subtle sonic details. They also tend to pick up sounds outside the pattern more than
some designs, which can lead to powerful feedback if you are not careful. We strongly advise
experimentation with placement and isolation requirements with the gain initially set low to avoid equipment
(and ear) damaging surprises!

Power Requirements

IMPORTANT - This unit requires the dedicated power supply. This supply is switchable between 115 volts
and 230 volts AC. In North America the microphone ships in the 120 volts AC position and in the 230 Volts
AC for export. Every Marshall Electronics MXL mic has been thoroughly checked before shipping; so if you
hear no sound, check that the power supply is switched on.

Microphone Cables

The microphone cable can have a profound effect on the sound of any microphone. Even the finest
microphones will sound poor if the interconnect cable allows noise to enter, or causes distortion and loss of
information. We highly recommend exclusively using the cables supplied with the MXL 960.

Care

Dust and foreign material can degrade the performance of a microphone over time so always store the unit
in its case. For vocals closer than 3”, use a “popper stopper” or a foam windscreen to avoid getting
moisture on the diaphragm as this can substantially degrade the microphone’s performance. Store the
microphone in its original packaging.

Data
Type: 25mm gold diaphragm condenser
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20 kHz
Polar pattern: Cardioid
Sensitivity: 20mV/Pa
Max SPL for .5 %THD: 135 dB
Impedance: 200 ohms
S/N Ratio: 78dB (Ref. 1Pa A-weighted)
Equivalent noise: 13db (A-weighted IEC 268-4)
Tube Type: 12AT7 or equivalent
Power Requirement: 120/230V 50/60 hz.
Current Consumption: <3.0mA
Weight: 1.75 lb
Dimensions: 58mm x 220 mm
Metal Finish: Champagne

Warranty

Marshall microphones are guaranteed against defects in material and workmanship for three years (except
tube which is one year) from date of purchase. Should you encounter any problem with this unit, promptly
contact the company you purchased it from for assistance. The original dated sales receipt will be necessary
for any warranty claim. Do not send any unit directly to us without prior authorization from our service
department! Warranty coverage is limited to repair or replacement (at our option) of the microphone, and
does not cover incidental damages due to use of this unit, nor damage caused by accidental misuse of this
product.