A versatile vintage-sounding mic with clarity and tons of character.
The MXL 4000 Multi-Pattern is a condenser microphone designed around a Class-A discrete FET mic amp specially chosen to match its large diaphragm capsule. The capsule itself has been sized and tuned to provide a silky and airy top end with a full, warm midrange reminiscent of vintage microphones. Hand selected internal components create a sound that enhances both vocal and instrument performances.
Using the polar patterns
To take advantage of the versatility of the MXL 4000's polar patterns, here are some miking tricks of the pros.
Figure-8
Figure-8 mics pick up sound equally well from front and rear. So, if you're looking for a rich vocal sound with the added ambience of room tone to add depth and spaciousness, use the figure-8 pattern and have your vocalist sing into one side while the other picks up the reflections of the room. Only do this if you have a good-sounding room. You can also use the figure-8 pattern for isolation from other instruments. For example, if you're miking drums and want to give the hi-hat it's own track, position the MXL 4000 so that the side of the figure-8, where rejection is greatest, is pointing towards the snare while the front or rear of the mix faces the hat. Do the same if you're recording a singer-guitarist who's playing an acoustic while singing. You need two figure-8 mics for this one. Position the vocal mic so that the side is facing the guitar, and the guitar mic so that the side of the figure-8 points towards the singer's mouth. Now both singer and guitar are isolated. Again, make sure you do this in a room that sounds good, because the back side of the mic will be picking up the room.
Omni
In many cases, the least used, but best-sounding of all the polar patterns. Omni has very little off-axis coloration, which means that sounds entering the sides of the mic sound just as good as sounds entering the front. If you have a great-sounding room, by all means, try omni before anything else. Omni gives your recordings the impression of being in the room with the sound. It also works very well as the "mid" mic in Mid-Side stereo recording.
Cardioid
This is the most used pattern. It's basically point and shoot, but keep in mind that you can use it's rear-rejection to your advantage, or by turning the mic slightly away from the source, you can use it's off-axis response to tame sharp transients. Aside from straight-ahead recording, most people us the cardioid pattern is the "mid" mic in Mid-Side stereo recording.
Requires phantom power.
MXL 4000 Multi-Pattern FET Studio Condenser Microphone Features:
Warm-sounding, low-noise, classic recording studio mic sound
Large, 6-micron gold-sputtered capsule
Steel head and woven-brass mesh grill
Heavy duty metallic blue finished enclosure
Vintage transformerless design
Attractive mahogany colored storage case
Specially designed MXL 60 shock mount included
Custom foam windscreen
Order with the protection of our 45-day lowest price and total satisfaction guarantees!
MXL 4000 Multi-Pattern FET Studio Condenser Microphone Specifications:
Preamp: Class-A FET
Polar Patterns: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, and Figure-eight
Frequency Response: 20-20kHz
Equivalent Noise: 20dB SPL
Sensitivity: 15mV/Pa
Maximum SPL: 130dB
Typical Load Impedance: >500 ohms
Output Source Impedance: 200 ohms
Power: Phantom Power
MXL 4000 Multi-Pattern FET Studio Condenser Microphone
Posted by Vain Melody from Alberta, Canada on Oct 14, 2009
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: Semi-Insane
Reviewer's Play Style: Crap
I'm a little sceptical at all of the glowing reviews here, but maybe I got a less than stellar sample of the MXL4000.
I have owned this mic for over a year, recording many, many hours of my vocals with it. I'm a baritone and this mic adds a not so pleasant treble/brittle/edge/tincan sound. The MXL4000 adds too much colour for my taste. I no longer use it as my main vocal mic, but would consider using it where I needed more edge/colour.
Don't get me wrong, for the money it is decent. BUT it is not as good at capturing the natural sound of your voice as other mics I have tried, including the AT4047. I also prefer using a Beta58a, which is about the same price. I also got a nicer more natural vocal sound on a Senheisser E835, which is a cheaper mic!
Mics are a very personal experience though and since everyone's voice is unique, maybe I'm just a freak of nature.
If this were lost/stolen I probably would not replace it and I would save for something nicer or just make do with what I have. BUT, I probably won't sell it and I don't regret buying it. It has nice features - namely, multi-pattern, db cut, bass roll off, comes with a second mic, a wind sock, shockmount, nice case.
Overall
Quality
Features
Value
Happy With this Microphone
Posted by Paul V from CANADA! on Aug 5, 2009
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: Audio Engineer
Reviewer's Play Style: Any and All
I figured for what this mic can do (3 polar patterns, bass roll-off and -10dB attenuation) I better pick it up. I have used extremely expensive Neumanns, AKGs, Earthworks, you name it. And I am quite impressed with the sound this microphone can achieve. Now it doesn't match the quality and pristine of a Neumann, but for the price It is close enough. Get one of these just to have another condenser for your mic park. I've used it for vocals, acoustic guitar, Drum Rooms and has worked quite well in all cases. Only downfall was that It kacked out on me once, But luckily MXL has a pretty great 3-year warranty on all of their products, so I mailed it off and they sent me a new one for free. Pretty cool.
Overall
Quality
Features
Value
Great Mic for your locker
Posted by Doo Wop Reporter from Pennsylvania on Jun 27, 2009
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: Active musician
Reviewer's Play Style: Doo wop into the 60s and 70s Motown and other soul
Have a friend who has two AKG414's he uses for vocals and, I wanted to put another condensor in the "mix"..the MXL4000 is not an AKG; however, it does have a wonderful sound of its own for vocals and is now a part of the "locker". For a "soft" voice, this is a perfect mic because of its sensitivity. A very sturdy mic and I think will serve you well if you have a modest studio but want truly professional sound. The "shock mount" is plastic, that is the only thing a little cheesy about the set but, otherwise, this thing is a great value.
Reviewer's Play Style: Acoustic rock, classical, folk, worship
I bought mine about a year ago as my first condenser mic, and I really like it. It's not a Neumann. But it's inexpensive, and if you just need a low-line (but not bottom-of-the-line) condenser, this is a great one to use.
For features - it has the three-way pattern selector, so it is versatile in what it can do. I don't use the attenuation switch very much, but I've heard it's great for home studios with A/C noise or what have you.
Bottom line for this one - it does what it's supposed to. I like the sound. It's god a good high end for my vocals. And you need to know - 90% of your sound does not come from the mic. It comes from the quality of the instrument or voice, the skill of the player/singer, the room, and the mic placement. This is a good mic, but you need to learn how to record successfully or it won't do you much good. Read up on engineering techniques and this mic will serve you well.
The 603 that comes with it is a good mic to have in your home studio arsenal as well. It's great for miking cymbals and acoustic guitar. I've even used it for vocals as well.
Oh, on a side note... I made a music video for my university's video scholarship contest last year. I used this mic to track the lead vocals and some of the BGVs, and I used the mic as a prop in the video. I won a $2000 scholarship. I'm telling you, this mic is a great starter mic.
Overall
Quality
Features
Value
Wow
Posted by tone_jones from San Diego on Mar 31, 2009
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: Active Musician
Reviewer's Play Style: Rock, folk
I was looking to upgrade my home set up and read about condenser mics' for recording acoustic centric material. I personally record acoustic guitar the most and after reading about all the pro's and con's about different condensers on the block, decided to give this xml 4000 a stab. So far the sound is clean and well balanced to me ears. I am plugging it into a Toneport UX2 and Macbook.
This is a great start up package if you are looking to upgrade your home set up. I was using sm57's for recording acoustic guitar and got what you would expect from them (no suprise here.)
Used Products are rated and sorted by Condition. Used products with Conditions 1-3 can be returned in accordance with our standard return policy. Used items with Conditions 4 and 5 are sold AS-IS and are NON-RETURNABLE. Our Lowest Price Guarantee DOES NOT apply to any used gear we sell.
There are no products for the condition you selected. Please make another selection.
Experience The Musician's Friend Advantage
Shop With Confidence - enjoy the protection of the Musician's Friend Advantage before and after the sale!
We'll Beat Any Price!
We'll beat any verifiable advertised price before or after the sale. Call 800-391-8762 for an unbeatable price quote.
45-Day Lowest Price Guarantee
If you find a lower advertised price within 45 days of your purchase, we'll refund the difference after verification. Some products are excluded.
If you are not completely satisfied with any product, return it for a full refund of the product purchase price, full credit, or exchange of your choice – no hassles! Stringed instruments priced at $1999 or more have a special policy.
On-Time Delivery Guarantee
If you don't get your gear on time, shipping is free and you get 20% off your next order. Details »
Help & Support
Questions or comments? Email or call us at 800-391-8762.
Gift Center | Catalog Quick Order | 
Canada
