MXL R144 User Guide

R14 4

A Division of Marshall Electronics

Phone: [phone] • 800-800-6608 • Fax: [phone]

www.mxlmics.com • [e-mail]

Ribbon Microphone

R 14 4

Ribbon Microphone

Thank you for choosing the MXL R144 Ribbon Microphone. For best results, please take a few
moments to read this manual and familiarize yourself with proper operation and care of this
microphone.

Contents

Unpack your MXL R144 Microphone package carefully and verify that all of the following items are
included:

• MXL Ribbon Microphone

• Shock Mount

• Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

If any of these items are missing or damaged, contact the company from which you purchased the
microphone.

General Characteristics

The MXL R144 Ribbon microphone uses an aluminum ribbon transducer which by nature is a
bidirectional (figure-8) pickup pattern. A figure-8 pattern will pick up sounds from the front and
back sides of the microphone with equal sensitivity while maintaining a large amount of rejection
90° off access. The front of the microphone is indicated by the MXL logo where the audio signal
is “in-phase” while the back side has an inverted phase. Ribbon mics typically have a lower
output than condenser microphones and may require a preamplifier with a lot of gain. It is highly
recommended to use a preamp with low noise, high gain, and an input impedance of 1500 ohms
or greater. We strongly advise experimentation with placement and isolation requirements with the
gain initially set low to avoid possible equipment (and hearing) damage.

Power Requirements

IMPORTANT! This microphone does NOT require a power supply. Use of phantom power with
this microphone is NOT recommended as it can severely damage the ribbon element and cause
the microphone to be unusable.

Microphone Cable

The microphone cable can have a profound effect on the sound of any microphone. Even the finest
microphone will sound poor if the interconnect cable allows noise to enter or causes distortion and
loss of information. We recommend that you use the best microphone cable that your budget
will allow.

Shock Mount

The MXL shock mount can shift in shipment. Simply shift the nylon bands to center the microphone
in the assembly. Be sure that the wire clamp does not rest on the chassis of the mount, as this
impairs mechanical isolation. Slide the mount all the way to the rim of the microphone for the most
secure hold.

Specifications

Type Ribbon Velocity Microphone

Ribbon Element 1.8-micron aluminum ribbon

Ribbon Length 47 mm

Frequency Response 20Hz -17kHz

Polar Pattern Figure 8

Impedance 250 ohms

Sensitivity -56 dB (0 dB=1V/Pa)

Rated Load Impedance >1500 Ohms

Max SPL for 0.5% THD >130 dB @1 kHz

Size 47mm x 171mm/1.85 in. x 6.75 in.

Weight 400g/0.85 lbs

Metal Finish Purple and chrome

Polar PatternFrequency Chart

0

90270

180

Care

The ribbon element is very fragile. Although each unit has been thoroughly checked by MXL, it is
important to check the microphone as soon as you receive it to insure that it was not damaged
in shipping. To help prevent transducer failure, avoid large vibrations and severe shock such
as dropping the microphone. Never expose the microphone to large bursts of air as it can
stretch or tear the ribbon element. It is highly recommended to use a pop-filter when using this
microphone. Dust and foreign material (especially metal shavings) can degrade the performance
of a microphone so always store the unit in its case. Never intentionally or accidentally apply
power to the microphone as it can permanently damage the ribbon element. Please note: Damage
to the ribbon is not covered by the warranty, and there will be a charge for a replacement.

Warranty

MXL microphones are guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship for one year from
the date of purchase. If you encounter any problem with this unit, promptly contact the company
from which you purchased it 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.

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