MXL 2003A Review

Large Capsule Condenser Microphone

499 reviews
Average Rating (499 ratings)
86%
Amazon.com ( 32 ratings )
84%
Amazon.co.uk ( 24 ratings )
86%
Amazon.ca ( 24 ratings )
86%
Amazon.com.mx ( 24 ratings )
86%
Amazon.de ( 24 ratings )
86%
Amazon.it ( 24 ratings )
86%
Amazon.sa ( 24 ratings )
86%
Amazon.com.tr ( 24 ratings )
86%
Amazon.es ( 24 ratings )
86%
Amazon.fr ( 24 ratings )
86%
Amazon.in ( 24 ratings )
86%
Amazon.ae ( 24 ratings )
86%
Amazon.nl ( 24 ratings )
86%
Amazon.se ( 24 ratings )
86%
Amazon.pl ( 24 ratings )
86%
Amazon.eg ( 24 ratings )
86%
Amazon.co.jp ( 24 ratings )
86%
Amazon.com.au ( 24 ratings )
86%
Amazon.sg ( 24 ratings )
86%
Amazon.cn ( 21 ratings )
86%
B&H Photo Video ( 10 ratings )
100%
Guitar Center ( 3 ratings )
80%
Musicians Friend ( 1 ratings )
100%
Show more

Highlighted Customer Reviews

Showing 1 to 13 of 13 Reviews

Master Piece

MXL 2003A Condenser Mic Review

MXL 2003A Condenser Mic

Feb 4, 2010

Reviewed by JayB. on Guitar Center

I believe this Mic is a true master piece!, I had the oportunity to use it in several occations in my studio; runing pro tools HD, no compresor, no EQ, on ly thru a Mk11 Universal Audio mi pre, and let me tell you it really deliver, great mids, sparkly highs and very nice smooth low end. wy pay 5 or more times on a really good mics, doesn't make since to me. Sometimes is not the equipmet you have or haow pricee it is but how well you know how to use it! Thanks Marshall!!

Either it's hissy or it needs a super quiet preamp with a LOT of gain

MXL 2003A Condenser Mic Review

MXL 2003A Condenser Mic

Jun 17, 2013

Reviewed by Greg Thomas on Guitar Center

I am a voiceover artist and bought one of these to use on the road instead of taking my studio mic, a Blue Bluebird, with me. When I plugged it in, it was hissy, compared to the very quiet Bluebird, on both of my preamps...a Forcusrite Saffire LE with firewire output and MicPort Pro with USB output. I thought the MXL was defective, so I took it back, and Guitar Center sent another one. It, too, was hissy. Also, both of them hummed when the wall wort was used on my Focusrite pre. If I powered the Focusrite off of just the firewire cable, there wasn't any hum, but there was still hiss from the MXL. This probably isn't the sort of thing you would hear if you were recording a loud guitar cab, but when all you have is a dry vocal track, it was really noticeable. The folks at Guitar Center were wonderful and let me exchange the second MXL for an AT 2035, which is dead quiet just like the Bluebird. I was able to tell that the MXL had a very flat frequency response (no bass or sibilance peaks like the Bluebird) but the hiss was a deal killer for me. It might be great for you, though. Lots of people like it. ... More

Excellent Quality Sound Reproduction

MXL 2003A Large Capsule Condenser Microphone (Black with Black Grill) Review

MXL 2003A Large Capsule Condenser Microphone (Black with Black Grill)

Feb 24, 2011

Reviewed by Soundman on B&H Photo Video

20Hz to 20kHz with a very flat curve. Look it up on MXL's web site. It is a great vocal and instrument mic. The vocals are very crisp. It is a very sensitive mic. The little nuances of picking a guitar and moving your fingers on the fret board are well picked up. It is also very warm compared to other more mics in the $150 to $300 class. It also comes with a 3 year warranty. One thing I would recommend: purchase a high quality shock mount and purchase a windscreen. Because this mic is sensitive (large diaphram), a windscreen is very helpful in reducing pops. I love this mic. I have two of of the 2003's. Have had them for 8 years now and they still sound amazing. Congratulations to MXL on a job well done. Very reliable and sounds great. ... More

Surgical

MXL 2003A Condenser Mic Review

MXL 2003A Condenser Mic

Mar 23, 2011

Reviewed by Critical on Guitar Center

I love this mic because it has no sonic signature. It has no warmth. It records things as you hear them with precision. The highs are beautiful with no sibilance. The lows are crispy and clean. This is a great mic for those of you considering a german mic. I would take this mic and add my own eq to imitate other mics. the only thing I don't like about this mic is the loose cardioid pattern. it's almost omni. It will pick up a lot of ambiance, reverb, etc... Treat your environment plenty or record in a nice theater!!! Also MXL customer service is A++++... Sent mic to be repaired, got it back 4 days later... ... More

Cheap doesn't always equal cheap

MXL 2003A Large Capsule Condenser Microphone (Black with Black Grill) Review

MXL 2003A Large Capsule Condenser Microphone (Black with Black Grill)

Jan 18, 2011

Reviewed by Pete's parade on B&H Photo Video

This Mic is an incredible value. Great frequency response for the money. None of the typical harshness in the upper mids and high frequencies that are typically associated with the huge family of 100-200 dollar chinese made large diaphragm condenser microphones. It's not Neuman but it comes very close for the money spent..very usable on a variety of sources..I've used it on vocals, room ambience, acoustic guitar. I put it on my guitar amp the other day at mid volume and it did a great job capturing the room with the amp...nice viby sound. Also, this mic seems to be built quite well.hope that helps. I gave it 4 stars because it has a bit of smearing in the higher frequencies..not a big problem. ... More

Ads

MXL 2003A Large Capsule Condenser Microphone (Black with Black Grill)
$179.95
B&H Photo Video
MXL 2003A Large Capsule Condenser Microphone (Black with Black Grill)
MXL 2003A Large Capsule Low-Noise Condenser Microphone
$179.95
Adorama
MXL 2003A Large Capsule Low-Noise Condenser Microphone
MXL 2003A Large Capsule Condenser Mic
$161.12
Reverb
MXL 2003A Large Capsule Condenser Mic
MXL 2003A Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
$179.95
Zzounds
MXL 2003A Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
MXL 2003A Condenser Mic
$179.95
Guitar Center
MXL 2003A Condenser Mic
MXL 2003A Condenser Mic
$179.95
Musicians Friend
MXL 2003A Condenser Mic

Solid Mic

MXL 2003A Large Capsule Condenser Microphone (Black with Black Grill) Review

MXL 2003A Large Capsule Condenser Microphone (Black with Black Grill)

Jan 2, 2013

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

I bought this mic to complement my Rode NT1a since the frequency response of the 2003a is much different than the NT1a. I'm running it through a BAE 312a preamp for rap vocals and it sounds decent. Nothing super special or hyped about the sound but it takes EQ very well so you can get the results you want with some post processing. Sibilance issues are much better with the 2003a compared to my NT1a. The low cut and pad options with this mic are a nice plus over the NT1a as well. It came with a shockmount, cleaning cloth, leather zip pouch for storage and useful recording manual. Very recommended for the great price on B&H! ... More

A great buy

MXL 2003A Large Capsule Condenser Microphone (Black with Black Grill) Review

MXL 2003A Large Capsule Condenser Microphone (Black with Black Grill)

Dec 25, 2010

Reviewed by Chris the Drummer on B&H Photo Video

This mic is really living up to the things I have read on various forums like Gearslutz and from the mic modification site oktavamods dot com. Basically, it is a steal as is but can be mod to rival any of the big name and big $$$ LD condensers. Very happy I bought this - it is serving well for an all-purpose LD and as a mono room mic for drums.And, as always, B&H ... with the best price I could find. ...

MXL 2003A and B&H = Win Win

MXL 2003A Large Capsule Condenser Microphone (Black with Black Grill) Review

MXL 2003A Large Capsule Condenser Microphone (Black with Black Grill)

Mar 5, 2012

Reviewed by datacreek on B&H Photo Video

This is a great mic reminescient of the much higher priced German models. A smooth flat response that belies it's low price. I would say it's the best LCD mic for under $200 (or more) available anywhere. B&H includes the better shock mount (spider) for an incredible price pluse free shipping. Shipped fast. Great deal, great experience.

Best MXL Mic Yet!

MXL 2003A Large Capsule Condenser Microphone (Black with Black Grill) Review

MXL 2003A Large Capsule Condenser Microphone (Black with Black Grill)

Sep 11, 2010

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

The mic is in a class by itself. Rivals a Neumann U87. It's that good.

Good in studio

MXL 2003A Large Capsule Condenser Microphone (Black with Black Grill) Review

MXL 2003A Large Capsule Condenser Microphone (Black with Black Grill)

Mar 8, 2013

Reviewed by Ghenadye on B&H Photo Video

We bought two of these to use them in studio for online radio. Very pleased with the sound, it is clear and no destorsion.

my second one

MXL 2003A Large Capsule Condenser Microphone (Black with Black Grill) Review

MXL 2003A Large Capsule Condenser Microphone (Black with Black Grill)

Jan 2, 2016

Reviewed by Ronald on B&H Photo Video

good basic Large Capsule Condenser Microphone.

Great Mic!!

MXL 2003A Large Capsule Condenser Microphone (Black with Black Grill) Review

MXL 2003A Large Capsule Condenser Microphone (Black with Black Grill)

Jun 2, 2015

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

use it for vocals great mic and overall presence!

fantastic mic

MXL 2003A Large Capsule Condenser Microphone (Black with Black Grill) Review

MXL 2003A Large Capsule Condenser Microphone (Black with Black Grill)

Jul 30, 2012

Reviewed by g.e. s. on B&H Photo Video

Recording vocals and acoustic instruments for TV and film production songs.

Showing 1 to 13 of 13 Reviews