I bought the MXL V69 awhile back. I didn't really like it, But I have never like any of the cheap tube mic's. I was looking for something to add to my collection that added alittle coulor. It just wasn't what I was hopeing for.

The case was cheap. I thought it needed aleast a bass roll off or a pad, JMHO............

Instead I got myself a cheap ribbon, Oktava ML-53. I was happy with this swap.

Peace.............Scoobie

A ribbon mic is definitely in my future, but the frequency response of the Oktava is pretty much the inverse of the MXL. After playing around with EQ on my voice, and comparing that with the rated frequency response of my current mic I settled on the V69. In theory I won't need much EQ with this one.

I'm also drawn to the fact that it's a tube mic. As a guitarist I have a few extra NOS 12AT7 tubes around, and I like the idea of switching tubes to taylor the sound just like I do with an amplifier.

But perhaps I'm making too much of the fact that it's a tube mic?

Personally, I stay clear of cheap tube mics. They are just that-cheap. Little things like the adhesives they use to hold the diaphragm in place can fail from the tube's heat, the way that the tube is held in place, the overall build quality (afterall, these ARE made in China!) can drastically affect your experience with that mic. If you want a nicer mic than you have now, I'd suggest A-T or Rode.

On further research I would tend to agree with the advice you've both given me. Considering the Shure KSM27, and Rode NT1000 are both $299 as well I can't justify buying the MXL.

Ultimately I think I need to spend some time with one of these mic's to really decide. I'll either rent one for a weekend, or do the "free rental" at Guitar Center.

After my first CD goes cardboard I'll pickup one of those expensive tube microphones. Maybe with the improvement my second CD will go wood?