MXL 1006 BP B Stock

The MXL 1006, costing a little under £130 in the UK, is a recent addition to the range and features a large‑diaphragm (25mm) capsule with a 6mm gold‑sputtered membrane. The circuitry is all solid state and incorporates a transformerless, transistor output balancing stage yielding a useful frequency response of 30Hz to 20kHz, with the response rolling away gently above around 16kHz. It has a respectable sensitivity of 15mV/Pa, an A‑weighted signal‑to‑noise ratio of 80dB (referenced to 1Pa sound pressure), and can handle SPLs up to 130dB before distortion exceeds 0.5 percent. A fine but tough wire mesh protects and screens the capsule while the familiar locking ring at the XLR end of the cylindrical brass body is used to secure the mic to the included standmount. A plastic carry case is provided. The brochure describes the finish as champagne, but 'metallic beige with a hint of khaki' might be more accurate, lending the mic a slightly military look.

From the supplied frequency plot, it can be seen that the MXL 1006 has a nominally flat response with only the gentlest of presence peaks centred at around 12kHz. It is clearly designed as a low‑cost vocal recording microphone, but, as with many such designs, it will also work well for acoustic instrument recording and it may be used as a drum overhead mic.