August 2011

Some professional recording engineers got bitter when cheap Chinese mics got good. Who could blame them? They spent a fortune on fancy mics from Neumann, Blue and AKG. Of course these microphones are still the cream of the crop but inexpensive offerings from companies like MXL came dangerously close. Models seemed hit or miss with MXL. However, the message was clear: you don’t need to take out a second mortgage to sound good.

Design and Electronics

The MXL 990 USB is the USB compatible version of the 990. It looks identical to its brother but has completely different electronics. Inside there is a little USB audio interface, allowing you to hook it up to any computer without hassling with mixers, preamps, etc.

Its design was kept clean instead of opting to integrate hardware dials and switches. Personally, I like to do my tweaking with software for two reasons. Firstly, a knob and a few switches don’t offer comprehensive control anyhow. Secondly, I like road-worthy gear. Flimsy knobs are the first thing to go missing or get damaged.

What You Get

If you manage to get the kit version, this mic comes in a pretty slick foam-padded case. I was expecting to find a shock mount inside as the non-USB 990 comes with a nice one. Unfortunately there is a USB cable in the place where the shock mount should be. Does anyone need yet another USB 2.0 cable? At least this will ensure you don’t forget it to the gig. Also inside the case is a mic stand adapter. You can also use the included desk tripod if you are a podcaster or plan on recording while sitting down.

Software Woes

In theory, drivers work with either Windows or Mac. This is the area where budget manufacturers like MXL fall down. Smaller companies seem to have trouble keeping up with changes in the software world. I didn’t have problems besides one mysterious crash in Windows 7, but I’ve heard reports that this mic doesn’t play nice with some computer setups.

MXL definitely needs to update their software installation instructions. At this point only XP and Leopard are covered, both of which are long in the tooth as far as operating systems go.

Sound Quality (and Noise) Report

According to MXL, the diaphragm is “6 micron 20mm gold-sputtered.” Most of this bit is over my head, but I can tell you that a 20mm diaphragm is a generous size for a USB microphone. Larger diaphragm mics produce a deeper, richer sound.

Sound quality was crisp and clear. A friend had a nice set of congas in our jam space so I just had to see how well the 990 would reproduce such sounds. Overall it did a pretty good job in stereo besides the fact one side was stronger than the other. MXL definitely needs to work on consistency.

MXL tends deliver pretty well in this department. However, another common theme is noise. Compared with similar mics in this price range I found the 990 USB noisier than it should be. I felt like I couldn’t get gain levels as high as I liked because I dreaded increasing the noise floor.

Review Verdict

The MXL 990 is a good USB mic, and a solid contender a few years ago. Currently there are more than a few better options so it is hard to recommend it. Both the Blue Yeti and Audio-Technica AT2020 are better microphones at a similar price.

I did like the sweet case for transport. However the fact they left out the shock mount is puzzling to say the least. What kills this mic for me is the crappy software. The last thing I want to do with a USB microphone is dink around with technical issues. It was supposed to be “Plug-and-Play”, remember?

The Samson CO1U is a staple in the podcaster’s arsenal. Since it’s been out for several years it has been thoroughly time-tested. Often experienced podcasters recommend it due to its reliable track record and performance. For many, this is the first USB microphone they’ve ever owned. There is an urge in technophiles like myself to always look to the latest, assuming it is the greatest. I’m admittedly late to the C01U party but felt the need to review it. Clearly, this mic is still relevant and will be for years to come.

This model looks like a condenser mic should. Visually it is almost identical to its brother, the CO1. The only difference is the CO1U has a silver grill instead of black, and of course it has a USB connector instead of analog XLR. Hard knobs and switches aren’t necessary due to downloadable SoftPre software, which allows you to set gain levels, cut lows, etc.

The differences are far greater on the inside. The engineers at Samson managed to squeeze a micro USB interface inside the CO1U.

Sampling rates range from 8 to 48 KHz at 16-bit resolution. This falls in line with the current generation of USB mics, with the exception of the Yeti Pro which does 24-bit recording.

Frequency Response is 20 – 18000 HZ. To test this range in the real world, I busted out the acoustic drum kit. It was able to capture the lowest thuds from the bass drum accurately, as well as the high-end sizzle from cymbals. The sound quality is natural rather than hyped, which is good news for purists and tweakers alike. The unique bass roll off control comes in handy for overly boomy-sounding voices or instruments. Beginners or podcasters that want quick, effective solutions should be using this often.

Sensitively is great, maybe a little too good if you have loud fans in your computer or live near an airport. Although this is a cardioid pattern mic, it has a tendency to pick up more than expected.

Flexibility is a weakness for the C01U. Unlike competing mics from Blue, it has a cardioid pattern only. If you plan on doing traditional voiceover work or recording lead vocals, this shouldn’t concern you much. Experimental types that want to capture the ambiance in the room or record an interview with only one mic need to look at the Yeti or Snowball instead.

If you don’t have recording software and don’t feeling like forking over a wad of cash, you’re in luck. The CO1U offers the advantage of free bundled software: Cakewalk Sonar LE. Unfortunately this benefits Windows users only. The software for the CO1U is Mac-friendly, but Sonar LE is not. If you’re totally new to podcasting or recording, Sonar is one of the better applications to learn.

Review Verdict

Samson’s CO1U came out at a time when there were few USB mics to choose from. Since then, Blue and Audio-Technica have come on the scene with some great offerings. I can definitely see why proud owners of this mic recommend it to friends, but I feel there are better options.

For those buying today, either a Blue Yeti or Audio-Technica AT2020 are the best moderately-priced USB mics going. You may want to grab the CO1U regardless, if the price is right; especially if you want to get your hands on Sonar LE software for free.