Mic Archive

MXL

MXL 603S

Small-diaphragm condenser, cardioid, end-address instrument mic (sold singly as the 603S, now as the 603 PAIR)

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Cardioid
Sensitivity
−40 dBV/Pa computed
Self-noise
18 dB(A)
Max SPL
134 dB SPL
Impedance
200 Ω
Rated range
30 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the manual (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1. Unlabelled graph in the 2008 603s sheet, curve marked "0°"; dB scale +20 to -30, relative. Distance and room not stated.

Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the manual (Recording Hacks copy)
Sensitivity−40 dBV/Pa (10 mV/Pa). Not stated by the manufacturer: Converted from "10mV/Pa" (20 log10 0.010 = -40).p. 1
Self-noise18 dB(A), A-weighted, IEC 268-4. "18dB(A weighted IEC 268-4)"; the same in the 2016 manual.
Max SPL134 dB SPL, 0.5% THD
Signal-to-noise ratio80 dB, re 1 Pa, A-weighted. "80dB (Ref. 1Pa A-weighted)". 94 - 18 = 76 dB, so the two figures do not agree.
Output impedance200 ohm
Rated frequency range30 Hz to 20 kHz. "Frequency Range: 30Hz-20kHz"; "Frequency Response" in the 2016 manual.
Poweringphantom 48 V ±4 V
Current draw3 mA, less than. "<3.0mA".
Weight130 g
Dimensions22 × 135 mm. "22mm x 135mm": diameter × length.
Metal finishSilver
WarrantyThree years (2008 sheet); one year (2016 manual)
From the manual
Capsule22 mm (0.87 in) capsule, gold-sputtered diaphragm. "Capsule Size 22mm/.87 in."; both documents also say "a twenty millimetre gold-sputtered diaphragm" in the text, and the 2008 sheet's data list "large 22mm diaphragm".p. 2
Supplied accessoriesshock mount; aluminium flight case. Contents of the 603 PAIR (two mics). The 2008 sheet lists none.

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © MXL, unchanged, with its original address.

Product page on mxlmics.comRecording Hacks

Recommended for

Instruments whose sources name this mic, or an earlier version or variant of it.

Other mics