2 mics in 1: MXL announce new DX-2 variable dynamic microphone
Unique two-capsule design with blenadable characteristics
5,0 / 5,0 | 
MXL DX-2 Microphone · Source: prosoundnetwork.com
MXL DX-2 Microphone (Front) · Source: mxlmics.com
Tired of seeing people draping a mic over a guitar cab with the cable tied off to the handle? Well with the DX-2 you can do exactly that. Designed with a flat edge on one side so it can even rest against a grill, this mic is ideal for stage and studio use. What’s more, the DX-2 also has a party piece to shout about which we haven’t ever seen before…
The DX-2 Variable Dynamic Instrument Mic
MXL is a division of Marshall Electronics, so this appears to be their take on the ultimate mic for capturing the sound of guitar cabinets. Dynamic mics are often the top choice for recording guitar cabinets but the possible scenarios don’t stop there. MXL are badging this as an ‘instrument’ mic which could be used on a number of sources. The advantages it offers with the unique shape and the ability to handle high SPL, means it is also ideal for drums and percussion too.
Inside the DX-2 is its party piece. There are, in fact, 2 diaphragms which offer different characteristics. Because the two diaphragms have been carefully positioned inside, there is also a blend control on the back of the mic offering a variable blend of the two capsules without concerning any phase issues. This is clearly influenced by one of the greatest guitar recording techniques of all time, blending a 421 with a 57 after you’ve managed to get them in phase.
I love this idea and suspect that this could deliver a great range of sounds for less money. Only disappointment is not being able to record the two capsules separately and blend the two signals at the mixing stage. Depending on your recording ethics, I suppose this does force you into deciding the best sound at the recording stage, rather than having to much to think about in the mix.
Two Capsules
The two capsules appear to be fairly different which is great. There’s a large diaphragm super cardioid capsule, and a smaller standard cardioid capsule. They describe the super cardioid capsule at being able to capture some of the room sound too. At first this seems slightly odd, but they must be referring to the pick-up pattern on the reverse side of a super cardioid. The standard cardioid capsule is said to reject any noise from the reverse, presumably for use with stage monitoring.
Although they are trying something new with this mic, I can’t help but wonder if the shape might also be it’s downfall. The only glimpse we’ve seen so far of a suitable mic stand clip, is in the video below at 0:34. Unless there will be another version when the mic is finally launched, this doesn’t appear to be very flexible. If the pick-up pattern is on one side of the mic, then it might be difficult to place the mic using a stand rather than simply draping it over the front of cab, which fills me with worry anyway. Let’s watch this space and see what they finally release.
More Information
According to the video below, the DX-2 will only be 149 USD, which is in line with another of my favourite dynamic mic for guitar cabs! Apparently we can expect the mic as early as mid-August. The only official info currently available on MXL’s website is here: www.mxlmics.com
Video
Here’s a video from the Sound on Sound YouTube channel, interviewing Scott from MXL Microphones at Summer NAMM 2016:
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