Need to swap your mic on the fly? Here’s an option designed for guitarists.
It can be easy to overlook one of the most important parts of the signal chain in both live and studio settings: the microphone on your amp’s speaker. MXL’s new DX-2 was designed specifically for those who need more than a one-trick pony. The secret is that there are two mics in the DX-2—a supercardioid and a cardioid. A single knob lets you blend between the two capsules on the fly, which is an incredibly handy feature.
The supercardioid offered a response more typical of the sound of a close-miked cab, with increased response in the low-mids and bass frequencies. With my Fender ML 212, I usually kept the knob turned all the way to the left, which only engages the supercardioid capsule. Naturally, my Tele was on the bright side, so I usually only blended in a hair of the cardioid capsule. As you can hear in the included sound clips, the addition of the cardioid added extra air and brightness. If you have a “set and forget” approach to miking your cab, the DX-2 will offer some much-needed flexibility and an easy way to dial-out any unwanted frequencies.
Test gear: Fender Stratocaster, Gibson Les Paul, Fender Hot Rod Deville ML 212
Ratings
Pros:
Great value. Offers more flexibility than a standard mic.
Cons:
No way to split the signals from the capsules.
Street:
$149
MXL DX-2
mxlmics.com
Tones:
Ease of Use:
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The reintroduced line includes instrument, microphone, and speaker varieties.
Anaheim, CA (January 7, 2015) -- MXL announces the release of Sound Runner by MXL microphone and instrument cables. The new cables take their name from the popular Sound Runner speaker cables first sold by MXL’s parent company, Marshall Electronics, starting in 1996. Sound Runner is being reintroduced under the MXL brand name to emphasize the performance and value that are hallmarks of both brands.
New Sound Runner cables are designed to provide high performance at an affordable price, making them a good value for intermediate level audio cable. It will appeal to musicians looking for the best price-performance. It is offered in two varieties: SRX microphone cables and SRI instrument cables.
Sound Runner Microphone Cable has 95% coverage copper braid shield, offering high cancellation of RFI and hum. It is made with high conductivity copper that offers a wide, accurate frequency response.
Sound Runner Instrument Cable has spiral shield for RFI, EMI, and hum noise rejection. It has a tangle-resistant, rugged textile covering available in brown or teal.
Both cables offer excellent insulation and clear tone. They are finished with high quality connectors, and they carry a lifetime warranty.
For more information:
MXL