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Mods for the V63M

  • Microphone PartsMicrophone Parts
    The former Audio Upgrades mod for the MCA SP1/MXL V63M, designed by Jim Williams, is now available in kit form. The “Basic Kit” swaps the minimum number of components necessary to correct most of the problems in the Schoeps-derived circuit. The “Advanced Kit” rebuilds the circuit completely, with esoteric capacitors, bipolar transistors, electrolytics and FET. Both mods raise the mic’s sensitivity, lower the noise floor, and widen the frequency range. The Advanced mod goes a step farther, to improve transient response and extend the low-frequency response significantly.

CardioidMXL V63M

Cardioid Condenser Microphone

The V63M is a transformerless large-diaphragm condenser with a fixed cardioid pickup pattern. Part of MXL’s “900 Series,” it is OEM’d by MXL for Guitar Center and its various retail outlets, including Musician’s Friend, Music 123, and Woodwind & Brasswind.

The capsule has an outside diameter of 32mm, with a 6-micron diaphragm. The Mylar on the rear of the capsule is clear, as is often the case on Cardioid-only condensers.

V63MThe impedance circuitry is transformerless. This specific circuit design is commonly referred to as the “Schoeps circuit,” named for the German manufacturer that pioneered it. The same circuit — in fact, identical circuit boards — can be found in numerous other MXL mics, including the MCA SP-1, MXL V57, MXL V250, and MXL 2006.

The V63M and SP-1 differ in two ways: the SP-1 uses a small-diaphragm capsule, and uses a lighter weight (thinner) body sleeve. The V63M and 2006 differ only in the shape of the body and headbasket; internally, they share the same circuit and capsule.

The V63M’s self-noise is rated at 20dBA, making this the noisiest of MXL’s large-diapragm FET microphones (along with the multipattern MXL 4000, another 900-series mic).

The performance of this microphone can be substantially improved through a variety of aftermarket modifications. See the sidebar for commercial mod kids and upgrade options.

The V63M ships with a ring mount (MXL p/n MT-001). Some retailers bundle it with an elastic shockmount; the mic is compatible with the MXL-57, USM-001, and USM-002 shockmounts.

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Specifications

Frequency Response - CardioidClick Graph to Compare!
V63M Cardioid Frequency Response Chart
Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
Cardioid (15 mV/Pa; 30 - 20,000 Hz)
Capsule Dimensions Impedance SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 25mm
Capsule diameter: 32mm
Diaphragm gauge: 6 microns
200 Ohms (Low) Max SPL: 130 dB
Self-noise: 20.0 dB(A)
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
470g (16.58oz) 190mm (7.48'') 55mm (2.17'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Requires phantom power
  • Phantom voltage: 48 ± 4v

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