MXL Genesis Tube & FET Condenser Mics

The MXL Genesis is condenser microphone considers to be one of MXL’s flagship mics and is famous mic amongst both recording professionals and enthusiasts.

The MXL Genesis comes in two editions: tube and FET as an attempt to satisfy the need of both tube-vs-solid-stae fighting camps. The tube edition was introduced first with the FET edition arriving later to “replicate” the tube’s sonic characteristics.

We will take a look at both mics in a details.

MXL Genesis Tube Edition

The Genesis Tube edition is a premium MXL condenser microphone featuring a Mullard 12AT7 tube for “high performance and ultra-low noise” and large 32mm gold sputtered diaphragm.

The combination of these pieces produces what MXL describes as “clean highs, warm mid-range, and tight bottom end” sound.

In 2008, the MXL Genesis Tube won the Pro Audio Review’s Excellence Award giving it more popularity as a top-of-the-line tube mic.

The tube inside the mic is made in the UK and the mic itself is assembled in China and ships to the customer from USA.

MXL Genesis Tube Build Quality

The MXL Genesis Tube is an-all-metal build with glossy red body with big gold Genesis branding and gold grill trimmed with silver. It feels thick and heavy giving a quality impression. It’s not appealing for me though. Not a fan of all-red body.

MXL Genesis Tube Features

The Genesis Tube has good other features including a low frequency roll off for reducing unwanted rumble and a 10db pad for attenuation. The internal wiring utilizes Mogami cables.

MXL Genesis Tube Package

The mic comes with its dedicated power supply, a lite-profile gold metal mesh pop filter, a shockmount, a 15′ Mogami mic cable and a 7 pin cable and a storage/travel case.

MXL Genesis Tube Technical Specs

Type:	Tube condenser mic (Mullard 12AT7)
Diaphragm:	6 micron gold-sputtered
Frequency Response:	20Hz – 20kHz
Polar pattern:	Cardioid
Capsule size:	32mm/1.26 in
Output Impedance:	200 ohms
Pre-Attenuation:	Switch: 0 dB, -10 dB
High Pass Filter:	6 dB/octave @ 150Hz
Equivalent Noise:	18 dB (A-weighted IEC 268-4)
S/N Ratio:	78 dB (Ref. 1Pa A-weighted)
Max SPL for 0.5% THD:	130 dB/140 dB (0dB, -10 dB pad)
Power Requirements:	110/220 VAC, 50-60Hz/Dedicated power supply included
Size:	59mm x 240mm/2.32 in. x 9.45 in.
Weight:	1.55 lbs/703g
Metal Finish:	Red with gold grill

MXL Genesis Tube Price

As of the writing of this post, the Genesis Tube retails for about $488 at Amazon although it’s usually found around $595.

MXL Genesis FET Edition

The MXL Genesis FET microphone is meant to replicate its tube brother’s sonic characteristics but with a solid state FET instead of the tube.

The MXL published specs of the mic claim the same “fabulous fidelity with an ultra-low noise circuit” of the Genesis Tube with convenience of the solid state.

Although adding more confusion to the MXL mic line, this mic is the answer to those who can’t stand the idea of a tube mic and are looking for “reliable and consistent performance” that comes with the solid state version of the mic.

MXL Genesis FET Features

The mic inherits same features as the Tube edition except for the tube part. It has the same build although with a taller body marked as “FET”.

MXL Genesis FET Package

The Genesis FET ships in a wooden case for storage and included in the package are a gold metal mesh pop filter and an elastic shockmount.

MXL Genesis FET Technical Specs

Type:	Pressure gradient 32mm capsule
Diaphragm:	Gold-sputtered, 6 micron diaphragm
Frequency Response:	20Hz-20kHz
Polar pattern:	Cardioid
Sensitivity	-30 dB re 1 V/Pat
Impedance:	150 ohms
Max SPL for 0.5% THD:	140 dB
S/N Ratio:	81 dB (Ref. 1 Pa A weighted)
Equivalent Noise Level:	13 dB (A weighted IEC 651)
Dynamic Range:	127 dB
Power Requirements:	Phantom Power 48V +/- 4V
Weight:	0.95lbs/431g
Size:	47mm x 225mm / 1.85 inches x 8.86 inches
Metal Finish:	Red body and Gold Grill

MXL Genesis FET Price

The Genesis FET edition is lower in price than the tube edition retailing at about $399 at Amazon.