MXL V87 Condenser Mic Review
MXL V87 is a low-noise, large diaphragm condenser microphone with overall warm and pleasing sound. Although the V87 is an old mic from MXL, it seems to be still popular among home studio enthusiasts.
In this MXL V87 review, we will take a look at its specs, features and, most importantly, its sound quality and applications.
The V87 Look and Feel
Unlike most microphones from MXL, this is the least attractive MXL mic I’ve ever seen. Its color is boring and dull and makes it look just like a useless piece of metal. That said, the V87 is well-built and feels nice in the hand.
MXL V87 Package and Accessories
I like that MXL often include everything you need with most of their mics. And although you get more accessories with this mic than usual, it’s very odd that MXL do not include a carrying case with the V87 like almost every other MXL mic including their low-cost entry-level ones.
Don’t worry though as the accessories you get with the MXL V87 are probably worth more than a carrying case. In the box, you get a base/head mount for attaching directly to a mic stand in cases like if you’re mounting it in a tight space and don’t want to use the shock mount.
Speaking of a shock mount, you also get a very nice, matching color shock mount that is also compatible with most MXL mics. My only complaint is about this shock mount is that it’s a little smaller than what would expect with a mic this size. It fits perfectly but I’m not so happy about it. I may be replacing it with a bigger one but you may be fine with it. Also, with the shock mount are some extra replacement bands.
Another nice inclusion with the V87 is the metal pop filter. It’s minimal and gets out of the way but it’s a very nice looking mesh screen pop filter and fits the mic perfectly.
MXL V87 Sound
The MXL V87 has a warm and pleasing sound. I love how it really captures the most out of my voice better than many condenser mics I have. It has a very solid and rich response for vocals and acoustic guitar. With vocals, it’s rich, warm and vibrant and maintains vocal character very well. The vocals are crystal clear as this mic captures the true base and essence of your vocals and gives you great range of highs and lows, amazingly accurate mids and long-resonating highs.
It has a low proximity effect which makes it picks up good but not overwhelming bass, producing intimate up-close vocals.
MXL V87 Specs
| Type: | Pressure gradient condenser microphone |
| Diaphragm: | 6 micron gold-sputtered |
| Capsule Size: | 32mm/1.26in. |
| Frequency Response: | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Polar pattern: | Cardioid |
| Output Impedance: | 200 ohms |
| Equivalent noise: | 8.5 dB (A-weighted IEC 268-4) |
| S/N Ratio: | 85.5 dB (Ref. 1Pa A-weighted) |
| Max SPL for .5% THD: | 136 dB |
| Power Requirements: | 48V phantom power (+/- 4V) |
| Size: | 47mm x 190mm/1.66 in. x 7.48 in. |
| Weight: | 1.1 lbs/498.95g |
| Metal Finish: | Nickel plated |
MXL V87 Price
The V87 retails currently for $267 on Amazon and you can get it for less if you shop around.
Bottom Line
If you have a home/recording studio and want to level up the quality of your recordings, then look no further. The MXL V87 is a very solid choice especially for voice applications as it really captures one’s voice with great clarity and warmness. So for voice-over, broadcast and podcasting, this is one of the best mic you can get. It’s not your top of the line studio mic, but for most voice/vocal applications, it does the job, and does it very well.
If you’re building your first studio however, it may be a little more expensive than what you would probably want to pay for so you may look at other entry-level mics from MXL like the 770 or 990.