MXL USB.009 User Manual
®
MXL USB.
USB Condenser Microphone
o n g r a t u l a t i o n s and thank you for purchasing the MXL
microphone. With up to 24-bit, 96 kHz recording capability, and 114 dB
C
detail while maintaining the simplest of recording setups. The latest advances in
digital technology, along with years of research, have enabled MXL®’s engineering
team to produce the audio quality normally found in expensive, high-end multichannel computer interfaces within the body of this microphone.
Producing a feature rich USB microphone solution for the professional
Broadcast and music industries meant no compromises on quality. Because of this,
hand selecting the best components for the USB.009 was very important. At MXL
we know that with audio, no matter how good specs may look on paper, your ears
are the final judge.
Recording the best tracks demands a great mix with zero latency monitoring.
The MXL® USB.009 delivers with rotary knobs that enable you to dial in the
perfect mix. When it’s time to listen back to the tracks you’ve recorded, or even
just listen to the latest CD you’ve purchased, the MXL® USB.009 will dazzle with
its amazing detail and punch. What this means for you is a simple, feature-rich,
elegant all-in-one recording solution that is completely professional.
dynamic range, you will be able to achieve the highest level of sonic
®
USB.009
®
,
MXL® USB.009 Features
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24-bit A/D and D/A converters with up to 96 KHz recording capability
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114 dB dynamic range, -100 dB THD+N
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32mm pressure gradient condenser capsule
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Gold-sputtered diaphragm
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Cardioid polar pattern
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USB 1.1 and 2.0 compatible
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Zero latency monitoring
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Mix control adjusts balance between playback and live signals
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Analog gain control adjusts live microphone record level
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1/8-inch stereo headphone jack with adjustable volume control
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Plug and Play with no special drivers* preamps, mixers or any other
external devices required.
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Blue LED capsule illumination signifies microphone is powered and active
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USB powered – no external power supply required
®
* To optimize the performance of the MXL
Recommend downloading and using the free Asio4All driver from
www.ASIO4ALL.com
USB.009 with windows we
Instrument Handling
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 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 BLUE 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 BLUE LED
behind the microphone’s protective grill will tell you it’s on and that the correct side
is facing you.
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® condenser microphones use what is known as a cardioid pickup pattern,
which is more sensitive to sound waves arriving at the front of the microphone as
opposed to those arriving from the sides or rear. 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.
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Unpack Your Microphone
Using the Supplied Desktop Microphone Stand
Begin by examining the contents of your MXL® USB.009 kit.
You should have the following components:
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Protective case
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One MXL® USB.009
microphone
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A 10-foot USB 2.0
high speed cable
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A desktop microphone stand
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Microphone stand mount
adapter
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Owners manual
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Microphone applications guide
Getting Familiar With Your Microphone
LED
Mix
Control
Headphones
Output
Gain
Control
Headphones
Level
USB Jack
(On bottom)
1. Screw the microphone stand mount to the desktop stand & place it on a flat
surface.
3. While holding the microphone upright and firmly in one hand, secure the
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. Adjustments can be made to the angle of the microphone by loosening the
thumbscrew on the side of the stand adapter.
5. 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.
Blue Power LED
The capsule is illuminated by a
bright blue LED when the microphone
is connected to USB power and
functioning correctly.
USB Connection
The square end of the USB cable
plugs in here. The microphone is
setup to be backwards compatible
with USB 1.1 and 2.0. It is not recommended to plug the microphone into
a hub, as this could potentially limit
the power and audio bandwidth the
microphone needs to operate.
Gain Control
Use this variable knob to control the
record level of the microphone into the
computer. This control changes the
analog signal before A/D converter.
Mix Control
The Mix control provides a balance
between computer playback and the
live microphone signal. This variable
knob has a center detent denoting an
even balance. When the knob is fully
left, only the direct microphone signal
will be present in the headphones.
Likewise, when the knob is all the way
right, the computer playback will be
all that is heard.
Headphones Level
A variable knob provides an overall
volume control for stereo headphones.
Always turn this knob all the way
counterclockwise before using the
microphone. Slowly bring the
volume up while listening to yourself
or recorded material to find the
correct level.
Headphone Output
1/8-inch stereo headphone input
accepts most headphones.
Maximum headphone volume
will vary by manufacturer and
model, so care should always be
exercised when plugging in.
4 5
Connecting the Microphone to Your Computer (Windows)
The MXL® USB.009 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:
If open, close your audio recording application. You will open it after the 1.
microphone is connected and operational.
The other end should fit easily into the bottom of the microphone.2.
The blue LED should now illuminate the capsule beneath the grill.3.
Your computer will display a message, usually in the lower right corner of the
screen, indicating New Hardware Found.
* To optimize the performance of the MXL® USB.009 with windows we
recommend downloading and using the free Asio4All driver from
www.ASIO4ALL.com
Initial Setup with Windows XP
2. Select Sounds and Audio Devices.
3. Click on the Audio tab and select MXL® USB.009 as the default device for
Sound playback and Sound Recording.
1. To select the MXL® USB.009 microphone as the default audio device
go to the Start Menu and select Control Panel.
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