MXL R77 Microphone Price, Specs, Reviews & Discussions

About the MXL R77 mic

The MXL R77 is one of those microphones that catches your eye before you even plug it in. With its pill-shaped body, shiny chrome headbasket, and gold-finished sides, it looks like something lifted from a vintage broadcast studio or even a film set. It’s a microphone you don’t mind having in frame during a session or podcast because it looks as good as it sounds. The R77 mounts with a solid yoke, which feels sturdy but does mean you’ll want to angle the mic slightly forward when plugging in the XLR cable since the clearance is a little tight. Aside from that, the design is straightforward and functional, no pads, no filters, no switches, just a ribbon mic that’s ready to capture sound.

Underneath the flashy exterior is a 1.8-micron aluminum ribbon element, tuned for a natural and classic ribbon response. The mic covers a frequency range of 20 Hz to 18 kHz, which is a little more extended on the top end than many ribbons. That added presence can make it a bit more versatile, especially for vocals or sources where you want some clarity without losing the warm, full midrange ribbons are known for. MXL wired the R77 internally with Mogami cabling, which is a nice touch for keeping the noise floor low.

Like most ribbon microphones, the R77 uses a figure-8 polar pattern, so it picks up sound from the front and back while rejecting the sides. In practice, this makes it useful in less-than-perfect recording spaces since noises like fans or computer hums placed to the side won’t creep into your tracks as much. It also opens up creative placement options for duets, room miking, or mid-side recording. One quirk worth noting is that the front side of the ribbon is voiced slightly brighter than the back, which is a subtle difference compared to MXL’s older R44 model but still useful. For example, the front can give vocals or drum rooms some extra air, while the back leans darker and thicker, which often suits electric guitar cabinets.

The R77 isn’t fragile by ribbon mic standards, but it does require some care. Strong gusts of air or handling noise can damage a ribbon, so the built-in yoke and included flight case come in handy. It can also handle surprisingly high sound pressure levels, rated over 135 dB, which means brass sections, loud guitar amps, and even aggressive percussion are fair game. If you’re used to condensers hyping the top end, the R77 will sound more natural, with smoother transients and less edge. Depending on your taste, that can either feel pleasingly realistic or a little too rounded off.

Where the R77 shines is its versatility. On vocals it delivers that warm, classic “radio sound” ribbons are known for, with enough detail to keep it from sounding dull. On electric guitars, the darker back side helps thicken tone without harshness. On drum rooms it can give a big, natural image that doesn’t exaggerate cymbals. And for podcasting or broadcasting, it’s a natural fit if you want that vintage presence on the voice while keeping background noise at bay.

Accessories are generous. Alongside the mic you get an aluminum flight case for storage, a Mogami XLR cable, a cleaning cloth, and even a small desktop stand, something not always included at this price point. The full package makes it feel more like a studio-ready kit than just a microphone on its own.

As for price, the R77 usually lands in the mid-$300 range when it’s in stock. It sits above the entry-level R144 in MXL’s lineup and feels like the logical step up if you’ve tried that mic and want more refinement. It’s not the cheapest ribbon out there, but considering the sound, build, and accessories, it’s fairly approachable for home studios and project setups that want to branch beyond condensers and dynamics. The only real “con” is that it’s sometimes hard to find, so if you see one at a good price, it might be worth grabbing.

In short, the R77 is both a statement piece and a practical studio tool. It looks glamorous but isn’t just about looks, it’s a solid ribbon microphone that delivers on the sound ribbons are loved for, with just enough top-end extension to broaden its uses. It won’t replace every mic in your locker, but if you’re curious about ribbons or looking to expand beyond entry-level models, it’s a strong option that balances vintage character with modern usability.

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Technical Specs

MXL R77 Mic user manual

MXL R77 Prices*

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205.99 USD

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