MXL R144 Review
Studio Ribbon Microphone
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 6,780 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the MXL R144. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the MXL R144. For example, 78% of 504 users who have commented on the Sound quality of the MXL R144 have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 21 to 40 of 64 Reviews
Amazing Bang for the Buck
MXL R144 Studio Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Jim on B&H Photo Video
Used on male vocal recordings with Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 at 3 o'clock, which was dead quiet at that gain setting. I cut the low-end a couple dB and raised the top the same amount, and it was warm, detailed and big. I read the Sound On Sound review by Paul White where he used the same EQ setting and found the R144 compared very favorably side-by-side with his Coles 4038. At 1/16 the price.
I WOULD RECOMEND IT
MXL R144 Studio Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by AJ on B&H Photo Video
To all my associates; I am a jazz player and singer and I have a home studio for my recording projects. After a few years with large capsule condenser microphones, 3 to be exact, I have found the ribbon microphone to be the best for my type of vocal. For the price of the MXL 144 it has a great natural sound and the highs are not rough. Just a little EQ for your personal taste. I ordered a pre amp but found I did not need it for my recording system. I run it directly into my Tascam US-1641. Eventual I will update to the more expensive models. ... More
Best deal out there!
MXL R144 Studio Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Margaret on B&H Photo Video
Get this and a "Fethead (regular)" and you'll have enough clean power and tone to use without having to buy an expensive additional preamp. I'm amazed at the sound for this price (or really ANY price)! It's a ribbon and sounds like a ribbon. The back sounds as good as the front also. Use this with a pop filter or you'll get plosives. Sounds fantastic for vocals, drums, guitar amps. Love it. Definitely worth it!
Incredible for the money
MXL R144 Studio Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I'm using it primarily for a drum overhead, but also for acoustic guitar. It has a really nice, sweet sound, and it seems well built (we'll see). I'm still experimenting, but already, I have been able to get really nice sounds. It has none of the harshness of condensers in the same price range. It does need a lot of gain, as people say, and the pickup pattern is going to take some figuring out. I'm also worried about the fragility inherent in the design, but I think it will be fine (not using it live). The included case and mount are nice too. I like it a lot. ... More
Top notch mic for studios on a budget
MXL R144 Studio Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I use this mic in my home studio. I have tried other inexpensive ribbons before and they all sound very cramped. Nice big open sound, warm low end, smooth on the high end. Can't beat the price and it comes WITH the shock mount.
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Plays well with others
MXL R144 Studio Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Jeffrey on B&H Photo Video
I'm currently enjoying the MXL R144 placed on the bottom of a snare drum, with an SM57 on the top side. The R144 captures the crack of the snare nicely. The self noise is higher than other cheaper dynamic mics I have, so you'd have to be crazy to use it as a podcast mic as one YouTube video recommends. MXL definitely makes good mics for the money and this one is worth having if you already have some trusty condensers and dynamics on hand. But this wouldn't be a wise choice for your first mic.
You have got to get one...
MXL R144 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Dontavious Dixon on Guitar Center
Never used a ribbon before but I wanted to try to capture the natural sound of a singer that came intot the studio and boy did this mic do it. I compared it to my other mics which are not ribbon mics and the sound sounds more natural with the ribbon. You best believe that when ever singers are coming into the studio the ribbon mic will be used.
Great for Trumpet
MXL R144 Studio Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Tony on B&H Photo Video
I was looking to upgrade my microphone to get a better sound for trumpet recordings. I had heard ribbon microphones were well-suited, but hadn't wanted to invest in a high-priced ribbon microphone for hobby use. Took a chance on this one and it sounds and works great. I did wind up getting a booster to go with it. Not strictly necessary for trumpet recording, but always good to have more gain available.
Gorgeous mic for vocals
MXL R144 Studio Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Erik on B&H Photo Video
This is a nice, good-sounding mic; I have used it primarily for bass and tenor vocals so far. It has a very strong Figure-8 polar pattern, and the blue color is a bit more purple-grey than most pictures suggest. The included shock mount works well, and includes extra elastic and an additional screw thread adapter. My only (and minor) quibble is that the case has no easy place to stow the user manual; this is hardly a problem.
A bang for the buck
MXL R144 Studio Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by El Dada on B&H Photo Video
Exactly what I was expecting. I bought it for a quite sibilant singer that I am working with at the moment. Probably there are better ribbon mics in the market but for the price, this thing is unbeatable. I am using it so far in vocals in tandem with a Neumann TLM-103. When mixing I tend to use more the MXL on the verses and more the TLM-103 on the choruses. The MXL adds a lot of bottom without sounding boxy.
Nothing wrong with this mic for under $100
MXL R144 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Brian B. on Reverb
While I don't have any $1K mics for comparison, I have several consumer $300 mics. For $100 this mic is fine. It sounds like I would expect a ribbon mic to sound. The build quality is robust, The XLR connector is secure. It comes with a nice case and solid shock-mount. I feel like it worked nice for my baritone vocal range. I feel like it gave my mid-range more presence (but that's pretty subjective). Overall I felt like it sounds more like a large diaphragm condenser than an SM58.
MXL R144 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Richard D. on Reverb
This is my first ribbon mike- I play trumpet and valve bone, among other things, and have started making home (online) recordings. It has very low output- I had to get an inline preamp immediately, but having done that, the ribbon does seem to have a special quality for horns. Still experimenting, but so far so good.
Sounds Professional
MXL R144 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Ernest Smith on Guitar Center
This a a great mic for a home studio like mine. It has a clear and natural sound on vocals. You would think it would be pretty expensive but for that price you cannot beat it. Its worth every penny.
Great sounding microphone!
MXL R144 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by James on Guitar Center
The sound is great, well above my expectations. Some people have mentioned that they didn't think it had enough gain but I had no problem at all with the gain when connected to a Crate Limo amp. It actually is louder with much lower feedback then my other microphones. The sound it reproduced was clean, balanced, crisp, clear and very natural sounding. Highly recommended!!
Very natural reproduction
MXL R144 Studio Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by rythmejunky on B&H Photo Video
This mic has a very natural sound to it. You don't get the proximity effect you do with a conventional dynamic mic. This works best in the studio because you can't get it very loud without feedback. As you face the mic your voice passes over the ribbons and exits the rear grill so there's no good way to isolate it from the monitor in front of you, hence, it is very omnidirectional. But for recording or broadcast use you get none of the off axis coloration and proximity effect so it sounds like the person using the mic is sitting across the table from you. ... More
Good for the money
MXL R144 Studio Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by WashburnRocker on B&H Photo Video
I always wanted a good ribbon mic but with the prices out there i didnt think i would ever have one. i bought this mic at the same time as the 551/550 combo. ihavent gotten away from the condenser mics much (love them) but the R144 does sound good it just requiers a good preamp the get good gain.
its a microphone
MXL R144 Studio Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Coal on B&H Photo Video
Nice lazy sound for an inexpensive ribbon mic. Would not be my first choice of mics to grab but can use it in mix with some really bright or harsh mics and it fits. Slightly, darker than I would have liked but with the right ears and some time a serviceable mic.
Good choice if you dont want to spend too much money
MXL R144 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Cristian Rodriguez on Guitar Center
For the value of R144 can not expect the sound of the R121. Anyway, it's a amazing microphone that gives very good results in guitar amp recording, and drums as room microphone. A good choice if you do not want to spend too much money.
Smooth
MXL R144 Studio Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Joe Nic on B&H Photo Video
Inexpensive and well crafted, smooth response, great value.
Nice Low Cost RIBBON Mic
MXL R144 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Wesley P. on Reverb
Ribbon Mics are typically lower gain and require a good Pre Amp. When used with good Mic Pre This mic sounds very good and is a great Value
