MXL 603S

A Classic "Pencil Mic" Designed for Acoustic Recordings

Developed with the help of professional musicians, the MXL 603S has built a solid reputation on recordings where fidelity and fast transient response are paramount. Within the MXL range, it stands as a small diaphragm microphone oriented towards studio use, designed to highlight the natural acoustic properties of instruments rich in nuances. Its compact format facilitates placement, even in tight setups (drum kits, strings, piano), while maintaining a clear and precise signature.

Who It's For and Studio Applications

The MXL 603S is aimed at demanding home studio users as well as professional studios seeking an efficient microphone for clean and detailed recordings. As an overhead, it helps shape the stereo image and capture the brilliance of cymbals without losing definition. On piano, acoustic guitars, and string instruments, it emphasizes attacks and the breathing of the body, with a balanced response across a wide frequency range. Thanks to its cardioid pattern, it remains relevant for close miking to better control room ambiance.

Precision, Dynamics, and Ease of Use

A Fast Capsule for Clear Transients

With its thin 6-micron diaphragm, the 603S stands out by capturing transients quickly: the "click" of a drumstick, the pluck of a string, or the hammer of a piano come through with clarity. This precision facilitates mixing, especially when seeking attack and clarity without having to over-process with EQ.

Cardioid: Focus on the Source, Better Control of Bleed

The cardioid polar pattern allows precise targeting of the useful area: cymbals and kit as overheads, bridge and soundhole on acoustic guitar, or projection zones on a string ensemble. The result is a more usable recording, with fewer unwanted sounds and better coherence when combining multiple microphones (overhead pair, stereo recording, spot reinforcement).

Phantom Power and Comfortable SPL Handling

The MXL 603S operates on 48 V phantom power, making it compatible with most audio interfaces, mic preamps, and consoles. Its max SPL of 134 dB provides good headroom for loud sound sources, reducing the risk of distortion during loud passages.

Technical specifications

Frequency response - start	30 Hz	Directivity	cardioid
Frequency response - end	20 kHz	Connection	XLR
Category	studio microphone	Color	Grey

Type	Pressure gradient condenser microphone	Equivalent noise level	18 dB (A-weighted IEC 268-4)
Diaphragm	6 microns	S/N ratio	80 dB (Ref. 1 Pa A-weighted)
Capsule size	22 mm	Max SPL for 0.5% THD	134 dB
Polar pattern	Cardioid	Power	48 V phantom (+/-4 V)
Frequency response	30 Hz-20 kHz	Size	22 x 133 mm
Sensitivity	10 mV/Pa	Weight	136.08 g
Output impedance	200 ohms