MXL USB-007 User Manual
USB.007 Studio Quality USB Stereo Condenser Mic
User Manual
MXL USB.007
User Manual
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.
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
designed 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, cardioid condenser studio
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
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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 capsules
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
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MXL USB.007 User Manual
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 attenuation
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 converts acoustical energy (your voice) into electrical energy (the
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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
microphone’s attenuation switch.
The attenuation switch 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, simply 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.
3. While holding the microphone upright and firmly in one hand, secure the
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MXL USB.007 Setup
microphone to the desktop stand by screwing the black mounting ring into the
microphone’s base. The microphone should now sit securely in the desktop
stand.
4. At this point, attach the end of the USB cable that matches the microphone’s
connector. The other end of the cable will connect to your computer’s USB
port.
Connecting the Microphone to Your Computer (Windows)
The MXL USB.007s microphone will operate with both USB 2.0 (high speed USB)
and USB 1.1 data buses. We recommend you connect your microphone directly
to the computer’s USB port as opposed to using a USB hub. USB hubs have been
known to interfere with the performance of various USB devices.
PLEASE NOTE: Audio and video recording can be very taxing to a computer’s resources. For this reason, you should close any and all running
applications that are non essential.
Please take the following steps to get connected:
1. If open, close your audio recording application. You will open it after the
microphone is connected and operational.
2. Connect the remaining end of the USB cable to the computer’s USB port.
Windows will display the New Hardware Found dialog message and your
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system may make a sound if your computer uses Window’s system sounds.
3. Allow Windows time to identify the device.
4. In approximately one minute, Windows should display a dialog message stating that Your New Hardware is Installed and Ready for Use. After this first connection, Windows will require just a few moments to identify the microphone.
Congratulations! You are ready to begin recording.
Initial Setup with Windows XP:
1. To select the MXL USB.007 microphone as the default audio input device go to
the Start Menu and select Control Panel.
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