MXL R40 Review
Ribbon Microphone
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 28 Reviews
Great Ribbon Mic For The Price
MXL R40 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by John V. on Reverb
Packaging: The MXL R40 comes in your standard white cardboard flip-top box, with a form-fitted closed cell foam insert that cradles the mic and its shockmount nicely. A molded plastic hard case would be nice, but hey, it's a very inexpensive mic. What's In The Box: MXL R40 Ribbon Mic Spider-type shockmount Two replacement rubber bands for the shockmount Microfiber cleaning cloth Instruction manual Specification sheet Because I bought my MXL R40 used, the first thing I did was disassemble it to see if the ribbon had stretched. It had, and was sagging quite badly. I have the necessary test equipment to properly retension it, so it wasn't a big deal. Occasionally, Chinese ribbon mics will have a loose ribbon straight from the factory, but it's usually caused by storing the mic horizontally with the same side always facing up. Store it vertically, or else periodically flip it over in the box. Like all passive ribbon mics, the MXL R40 has extremely low output. You'll need an inline preamplifier such as a CloudLifter or FET Head, or a preamp with about 80dB of VERY low noise gain. My Universal Audio 610B was not up to the task, so my handy DIY inline JFET preamp came to the rescue. I was very pleased by what I heard from the MXL R40. The sound is warm, rich, fat, organic and silky smooth. It sounds great on male or female vocals, guitar cabs, and superb on acoustic guitar in a M/S configuration. in classic ribbon fashion, the mic has creamy yet articulate mids, and a dark, rolled-off high end. If you have plenty of clean, low-noise gain and a recording space that's acoustically treated extremely well, this mic would even be great for voice-over/narration of spoken voices that suffer from lots of sibilance. The MXL R40 isn't gonna do battle with Royer, Mesanovic or Samar ribbon mics, but it does sound more articulate and "lively" than any other Chinese ribbon mic I've heard in its price range, even the very similar MXL R144. If you're into DIY, I feel that replacing the stock transformer with a CineMag or Mesanovic unit would take it into the "big leagues" for about $250 total price tag. While definitely not the be-all, end-all of ribbons, it is nonetheless very usable and represents excellent value for the price. ... More
No Regrets
MXL R40 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Rogo Plays the Blues on Guitar Center
Background: I'm a music enthusiast with some miles on home recording. I was a little worried about buying this R-40 because many comments by more experienced musicians, saying MXL was not a very good brand for Mics, that I will loose all the high frequencies. So far , So good, no regrets, I bought it on a DAILY PICK, called back next day to get another one at the same price, 100 was the lowest they could go, so no. I use this one for vocals and it sounds very real and clean, I have to go like 75% gain on my presonus Audio Box and 100% on an old AW4416. Again no regrets. ... More
Nice sound, weak signal
MXL R40 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Joe B. on Guitar Center
I bought this as a Daily Pick for the home studio I built for my kids' rock band, mainly for tracking vocals but also possibly for brass, guitar, etc. I love the warm sound for backing vocals, and the included shock mount is great (and now serves double duty as the shock mount for my MXL V250). The only downside is the weak signal -- with the gain cranked on the Presonus StudioLive AR16 USB, I still need to boost the signal about 10 dB in the DAW. Were it not for the Daily Pick, I probably would have gotten a powered ribbon mic instead. ... More
First time user of a Ribbon Mic, and I'm not disappointed.
MXL R40 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by CLM on Guitar Center
I'm just starting to build up some recording gear for practicing trumpet solos for my church. I read that a ribbon mi was the best for recording brass instruments, so I thought I'd give this a try. Comparing this to a Dynamic mic and Condenser mic (That came with my TASCAM 2x2) the recorin sound is fuller and clearer on the Ribbon Mic. While I'm not pro by any means, I can say that I've upgraded my home practice studio with this purchase.
MXL R40
MXL R40 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by PC on Guitar Center
This is my 4th MXL microphone and my 2nd R40. I own the R144 And the R150. Each microphone has its merits but the clarity of the R40 can not be over stated. I found its best uses to be for vocals acoustic guitar and Banjo.
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Couldn't be happier
MXL R40 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Eric on Guitar Center
Excellent value - perfect for recording horns. Warm, rich sound. Comparable sound to mics that cost five times as much. Highly recommend for trombonists looking to capture the full scope of tone without annoying high end overpowering the sound.
Warm smooth tone
MXL R40 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by WAYNE GLASER on Guitar Center
I purchased this mic about a month ago looking for something that had a warm sound and this mic fits the bill. For the price it would be hard to beat! The mic does take a little more pre amp power to operate at the same volume as my condenser mic but that is not negative. Very happy with my purchase.
Characteristics of Ribbon, Without the Price
MXL R40 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Aidan M. on Reverb
This mic sounds great. It is my first ribbon mic, so I can't really compare it to others. However, for $160 this is probably my coolest sounding mic. It has an amazing extended low end, as well as the classic high end roll off that is characteristic of most ribbon mics. This one begins the roll off around 6kHz, so it is quite dark. It also has a midrange bump between 200-500Hz. These two eq responses compliment an SM57, which is nasally and present, very nicely. I put this side by side with a 57 on guitar and it sounded awesome. If you're looking for a ribbon mic on a budget, you can't go wrong with MXL. ... More
Great Ribbon Mic for the $$$
MXL R40 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Matt J. on Reverb
Good ribbon mics can be crazy expensive, very delicate and temperamental. If you ever accidentally put phantom power thru your ribbon mic (without an inline protector) you now have a handsome paperweight. The MXL R40 is a great pace to start with ribbon mics, great tone and very durable. I use it in parallel with my sE Electronics X1 S condenser mic. The two tones together really bring out some great characteristics in vocals, instruments, whatever. Grab yourself an inline mic booster (like the Klark Teknik MIC BOOSTER CT 1) to really bring out the warmth. Run it thru a nice tube pre amp and you'll get some great results. ... More
Sweet Mic!
MXL R40 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by V T on Guitar Center
This mic works amazingly for my voice! I was curious about ribbon mics, so I bought it on a whim. Never could I imagine my singing voice would come out so sweet with this mic! Now I know why professional singers record their voices with a ribbon mic!
Very enjoyable results
MXL R40 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Mike on Guitar Center
Basement recording hobbyist - just got this recently and used a few times to track guitar cabinets. Very satisfied with results in a bang for the buck way. Nice warm tone and picked up multiple sources well on each end of the figure 8 pattern. My First MXL mic and if it broke tomorrow I wouldn't be mad - Stupid Deal of the Day price makes it worth every penny. Nice intro to what ribbon mics can do.
A total surprise from MXL
MXL R40 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Alan C. on Reverb
This mic actually sounds better than the Golden Age Active Ribbon! It's silky smooth and takes EQ very well. As is the case with most passive ribbon mics, it needs a bit of gain...but nothing that a good preamp (especially something like the Cloudlifter or Fethead) can't handle. In fact, the R40 sounds surprisingly similar to the Blue Baby Bottle SL (in some cases, it may even be better!) . For a low-cost ribbon mic, it's great.
Sweet mic!
MXL R40 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by V T on Guitar Center
This MXL R40 mic works amazingly for my voice! I was curious about a ribbon mic, so I bought it on a whim during the GC's Jul 4 sale. Never could I imagine my singing voice would come out so sweet with this mic! Now, I understand why professional singers love to record their voices with a ribbon mic!
A solid mic for the price but
MXL R40 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by John T. on Reverb
You need to make sure your preamp has enough gain. The more the better or your signal will be dull and weak. This is an amazing value for the money and is very mod-able. My only gripe is it doesn't come in a real case like the R144 does.
Great bang for the buck!
MXL R40 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Michael on Guitar Center
I use this mic, mainly for recording guitar amps. I use ta condenser on one track and this ribbon on another and the blend between the two is amazing. I highly recommend this like if you don't want to spend a fortune on another ribbon mic. #sweepstakes
Just What I Needed
MXL R40 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Buddy W. on Reverb
This is just what I was looking for: an inexpensive ribbon mic upgraded with a nicer output transformer. Right now using it as a drum OH but it also kills on guitar amp, mandolin and bouzouki! MXL should just offer the mic this way to begin with!
Positive impression
MXL R40 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Dali on Guitar Center
definitely happy with the sound - just needed a good windscreen for protection. plus I got myself an inline preamp to protect the ribbon from any phantom power I may incorporate. with a couple ez add-ons it makes for a great sounding mic #sweepstakes
I hope to get another kind from the same company.
MXL R40 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Willie on Guitar Center
This microphone is excellent for the recording I do and great price, was delivered on time thanks!!
Excellent build quality and performance
MXL R40 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Pony, stone cold on Guitar Center
This is easy to use and very clean and clear. It looks beautiful, and feels very sturdy. Great dynamic range and the ability to have a duet singing on opposing sides with the figure 8 configuration adds a nice element to the stage.
Excellent value ribbon mic!
MXL R40 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Nicholas L. on Reverb
Quality seems nice and durable! This paired with an SM57 on my guitar cab is tone heaven! I have found the secret sauce to great recorded guitar tones!
