MXL LSC1N

Stage Capacitor Microphone

Published in SOS August 2011
Printer-friendly version

Reviews : Microphone
 
California‑based Marshall Electronics produce some exceptionally good studio microphones under the MXL brand name, and most at affordable prices, but unlike most microphone manufacturers they also produce mics for the live sound market. The LSC1N (like the otherwise identical LSC1B black version) is a hand-held vocal mic with three interchangeable capacitor capsules. All three come with the mic as standard, and have omnidirectional, cardioid, and hypercardioid polar patterns, to suit different miking styles and environments. Once the basket has been unscrewed and removed, the capsules simply screw into place. Each is fitted with a six-micron, gold‑sputtered diaphragm, and the assembly is shock‑mounted to help reduce handling noise.
All the capsules cover a wide frequency range, in this case from 20Hz to 20kHz, +/‑3dB, and the frequency-response curve is nominally flat, with a very shallow, broad presence bump, rising only two or three decibels and centred at around 8kHz. A recessed low‑cut switch activates an 18dB-per-octave high-pass filter at 150Hz to help counter the proximity effect.
The rest of the specification is typical of a studio mic, with an equivalent input noise of 16dB (A‑weighted) and a maximum SPL handling of 148dB, meaning that even the loudest screamer isn’t going to upset it. Sensitivity is a little lower than that of a typical studio capacitor microphone, which helps to bring it into line with the dynamic stage mics it’s likely to work alongside, but it’s still significantly more sensitive than its dynamic siblings. Being a capacitor mic, the LSC1N requires 48 Volt phantom power.
The tonality of this mic is pretty much what you’d expect from a capacitor model, with extended highs, good clarity and plenty of sensitivity. The very subtle presence hump helps to enhance clarity in a nice way, but maintains a very natural overall character. The provision of a low‑cut switch helps enormously for live work, where the proximity effect can get to be a little too much when miking up‑close and personal.
Though not without some stiff competition, the LSC1N is well made and sensibly priced. The inclusion of three capsules is a great bonus, as is the fact that it comes with a high‑quality mic cable, a mic clip and a rigid plastic storage case. Paul White
£179 including VAT.MXL LSC1N $299
www.musictrack.co.uk
 0
Published in SOS August 2011

 

Home | Search | News | Current Issue | Digital Editions | Articles | Forum | Subscribe | Shop | Readers Ads

Advertise | Information | Links | Privacy Policy | Support

MICROPHONES For Sale in Readers Ads
SOS Readers Ads
GRAB A BARGAIN
£589,810
of Second-User Gear for sale now — don't miss out!

Audio-Technica AT4047 MP

Multi-pattern Condenser Microphone

Audio-Technica have added multiple polar patterns to one of their already successful designs, bringing increased versatility in the studio.

Audio-Technica AT4047 MP | Media

Multi-pattern Condenser Microphone

These audio files accompany the Audio-Technica AT4047 MP review that featured in SOS December 2010.

Audio-Technica AT4050 ST

Stereo Condenser Microphone

Thumbnail for article: Audio-Technica AT4050 ST

There's more to this variation on Audio-Technica's flagship microphone than the simple addition of a second capsule...

Peavey Studio Pro M2

Condenser Microphone

Paul White explores the capabilities of the understated-yet-powerful Studio Pro M2.

Schoeps VSR5

Microphone Preamp

Thumbnail for article: Schoeps VSR5

Schoeps make some of the most revered mics on the planet, so when they release a commercial version of the mic preamp they use for testing, you have to take it seriously...

Schoeps VSR5 Mic Preamp

Test Measurements

The following charts, made using an Audio Precision Analyser, accompany our review of the Schoeps VSR5 microphone preamplifier.

Blue Encore 300

Handheld Condenser Microphone

Designed as a hand-held live vocal mic, this mic has a cardioid pickup pattern, and seems very robustly engineered.

Cartec EQP1A

Mono Valve Equaliser

Thumbnail for article: Cartec EQP1A

British 'boutique' outboard manufacturers seem to be rather thin on the ground these days, but if this Pultec clone is anything to go by, newcomers Cartec look set to make a big impression.

Prodipe TT1

Dynamic Microphone

Prodipe say they wanted to offer a high-quality, live-sound, cardioid-pattern dynamic mic at a very affordable price.

Sontronics Saturn

Multi-pattern Condenser Microphone

Thumbnail for article: Sontronics Saturn

Sontronics mics usually sound as distinctive as they look - and this one looks more distinctive than most!

MXL Revelation

Multi-pattern Valve Microphone

Thumbnail for article: MXL Revelation

Hot on the heels of the impressive Genesis cardioid valve mic, MXL have unveiled their flagship multi-pattern model, the Revelation. Does it live up to its name?

MXL Revelation | Audio Examples

Multi-pattern Valve Microphone

These audio files accompany the SOS September 2010 review of the MXL Revelation microphone.

Samson Go Mic

USB Microphone

AKG Perception 820

Valve Microphone

Thumbnail for article: AKG Perception 820

Does AKG’s Chinese-made Perception 820 maintain the Austrian company’s impressive reputation?

AKG Perception 820 | Audio

Audio Examples

Hear for yourself how this mic performed during the SOS tests.

Audio-Technica AT4080 & AT4081

Ribbon Microphones

A-T’s brand-new transducer technology has produced a robust design intended to deliver high signal levels as well as that prized ribbon character...

Earthworks DP25C & DP30C

Snare & Tom Condenser Microphones

Despite the ubiquity of the SM57 for use on snare, there are other options — and Earthworks aim to help you capture a more natural sound.

MXL Genesis

Cardioid Valve Microphone

Thumbnail for article: MXL Genesis

We put MXL’s Genesis through its paces alongside a much pricier model, to find out just how good a tube mic can be at this price.

MXL Genesis Mic | Audio Files

Hear For Yourself

To accompany our July 2010 Genesis review, we recorded a series of standard tests with the review mic alongside a more established mic (in this case, the AKG C12 VR).

GLOSSARY: technical terms explained
WIN Great Prizes in SOS Competitions!
 

Email: Contact SOS

Telephone: +44 (0)1954 789888

Fax: +44 (0)1954 789895

Registered Office: Media House, Trafalgar Way, Bar Hill, Cambridge, CB23 8SQ, United Kingdom.

Sound On Sound Ltd is registered in England and Wales.

Company number: 3015516 VAT number: GB 638 5307 26

         

All contents copyright © SOS Publications Group and/or its licensors, 1985-2012. All rights reserved.
The contents of this article are subject to worldwide copyright protection and reproduction in whole or part, whether mechanical or electronic, is expressly forbidden without the prior written consent of the Publishers. Great care has been taken to ensure accuracy in the preparation of this article but neither Sound On Sound Limited nor the publishers can be held responsible for its contents. The views expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the publishers.

Web site designed & maintained by PB Associates | SOS | Relative Media