550/551R - Microphone MXL - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Large-diaphragm condenser microphone
Polar Pattern	Cardioid
Frequency Response	30 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance	200 ohms
Sensitivity	-35 dB re 1V/Pa
Maximum SPL	130 dB
Power Requirement	48V phantom power
Connector	XLR (3-pin)
Dimensions (Diameter)	50 mm (2 in)
Dimensions (Length)	188 mm (7.4 in)
Weight	450 g (15.9 oz)
Diaphragm Size	1.1 in (28 mm)
Self Noise	20 dB (A-weighted)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	74 dB
Included Accessories	Shock mount, metal carrying case, foam windscreen
Maintenance & Cleaning	Wipe with a dry, lint-free cloth; store in case when not in use
Safety Instructions	Keep away from moisture and extreme temperatures; use only with phantom power supplies
Spare Parts & Repairability	Contact MXL authorized service centers; no user-serviceable parts inside
Warranty	1-year limited warranty

Frequently Asked Questions - 550/551R MXL

Does the MXL 550/551R require phantom power?

Yes, the MXL 550/551R is a condenser microphone and requires 48V phantom power from your audio interface or mixer to operate.

What is the polar pattern of this microphone?

The MXL 550/551R features a cardioid polar pattern, which picks up sound from the front and rejects background noise from the sides and rear.

Can I use the MXL 550 for recording vocals and instruments?

Yes, its large-diaphragm design makes it suitable for vocals, acoustic guitars, pianos, and other studio applications.

What type of cable does the microphone need?

It uses a standard XLR (3-pin) male connector, so an XLR cable is required. Balanced cables are recommended to reduce noise.

Is the MXL 550/551R a matched pair?

The 550 is a single microphone, while the 551R model typically denotes a matched pair of 550 microphones for stereo recording.

Does it come with a shock mount?

Yes, the microphone includes a metal shock mount to reduce vibrations and handling noise.

How do I clean the microphone?

Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior. For the grille, gently remove dust with a brush. Avoid liquids and always store in the provided case.

What is the maximum SPL this microphone can handle?

The maximum SPL is 130 dB, making it capable of recording loud sources like drums and guitar amps without distortion.

Does the MXL 550/551R come with a warranty?

Yes, it is covered by a 1-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

Can I use a pop filter with this microphone?

Yes, a standard pop filter can be attached to the included shock mount to reduce plosive sounds when recording vocals.

USER MANUAL 550/551R MXL

Congratulations on your purchase of the MXL 550/551 Recording Ensemble. With proper care, these microphones will provide many years of satisfaction. For the best results, please take a few moments to review this literature.

General Characteristics

These microphones have gold-sputtered diaphragms and a fixed cardioid pickup pattern. Condenser microphones are very sensitive, readily revealing very subtle sonic details. They also tend to pick up sounds outside the pattern more than some designs, which can lead to powerful feedback if you are not careful. We strongly advise experimentation with placement and isolation requirements with the gain initially set low to avoid equipment (and ear) damage. It is strongly advised to use a mesh pop-filter to avoid moisture from damaging the capsule.

Power Requirements

IMPORTANT - These units require phantom power at 48 volts, +/- 4 volts. Each unit has been thoroughly checked before shipping, so if you do not hear sound, check that the phantom power on your mixer or separate power supply is switched on!

Microphone Cables

The microphone cable can have a profound effect on the sound of any microphone. Even the finest microphones will sound poor if the interconnect cable allows noise to enter, or causes distortion and loss of information. Use only the best microphone cable your budget will allow. We highly recommend using Mogami® brand cable.

Care

Dust and foreign material can degrade the performance of a microphone over time so always store the unit in its case. Due to the delicate nature of condenser microphones, never use water or any other liquid for cleaning purposes.

MXL 550

Type:	Pressure gradient condenser microphone
Frequency Range:	30 Hz – 20 kHz
Polar Pattern:	Cardioid
Sensitivity:	15mV/Pa
Impedance:	200Ω
S/N Ratio:	80dB (Ref. 1Pa A-weighted)
Equivalent Noise Level:	20dB (A weighted IEC 268-4)
Max SPL for 0.5% THD:	130dB
Power Requirements:	48V Phantom Power (+/- 4V)
Current Consumption:	<3.0mA
Size:	47mm x 170mm
Weight:	0.8 lbs
Metal Finish:	Blue with chrome grill

MXL 551

Type:	Pressure gradient condenser microphone
Frequency Range:	30 Hz – 20 kHz
Polar Pattern:	Cardioid
Sensitivity:	15mV/Pa
Impedance:	110Ω
S/N Ratio:	78dB (Ref. 1Pa A-weighted)
Equivalent Noise Level:	20dB (A weighted IEC 268-4)
Max SPL for 0.5% THD:	137dB
Power Requirements:	Phantom Power 48V ±4V)
Current Consumption:	<3.0mA
Size:	22mm x 134mm
Weight:	0.2 lbs
Metal Finish:	Blue with chrome grill

Warranty

Marshall microphones are guaranteed against defects in material and workmanship for one year from date of purchase. Should you encounter any problem with this unit, promptly contact the company you purchased it from for assistance. The original dated sales receipt will be necessary for any warranty claim. Do not send any unit directly to us without prior authorization from our service department! Warranty coverage is limited to repair or replacement (at our option) of the microphone, and does not cover incidental damages due to use of this unit, nor damage caused by accidental misuse of this product.