MXL's Desktop Recording Kit (DRK) is a professional cardioid condenser microphone, complete with all the bits to allow PC and Mac users to capture high-quality audio for vocal recording, instruments, adding dialogue to presentations, VoIP communications and so on. The DRK is a well built solution that makes recording pristine audio effortless - as long as you invest a little time in positioning and purchase a few add-on extras, including a pop filter and shockmount. With a street price of just under £100, the DRK is quite the bargain. And it isn't a stripped down, no-frills mic, either: it comes in a locking, moulded plastic case with ample custom-cut foam to fit the package contents. Overall, the DRK is an excellent value recording solution.

Pros: Great value; high quality mic and cables; self powered
Cons: No audio software; needs optional pop filter and shockmount


The Desktop Recording Kit (DRK) is a high-quality audio recording solution from MXL, a division of Marshall Electronics. The package comprises a cardioid battery-powered condenser microphone, sturdy metal desktop microphone stand, microphone clip, XLR cable, XLR to mini-plug adapter cable, and 3.5mm mini-plug to 0.25in. adapter. You also get a hard carrying case and useful documentation on how to best use the microphone.

The DRK is designed as a complete solution for all home recording applications. While there is no software supplied with the kit the microphone is completely self-powered (uses a 9-volt battery and onboard DC amplifiers), eliminating the need for costly preamplifiers or external power supplies - though it does work with external microphone preamps should one be necessary. A nice touch is being able to bypass the portable power entirely and use phantom power without having to remove the battery.

This feature makes the kit an ideal complement for those using a laptop as their recording platform because it keeps matters simple and makes transporting one's recording 'studio' nice and easy. In addition, the audio from the mic remains entirely within the audio spectrum, unlike USB-based microphones that require conversion of the audio signal. Indeed, in our tests in both our office and in meetings the DRK performed outstandingly, sounding warm and detailed with a satisfying presence. There was plenty of bass too, without the harshness that some other mics accentuate.

The DRK is an ideal solution for those looking to make quality recordings of single instruments, as well for making Podcasts, VoIP communications and other forms of voice recordings. The MXL microphone included in the Desktop Recording Kit is the first truly professional microphone specifically designed for the 'average' computer user by a professional audio-based manufacturer, so should be a popular choice among broadcast journalists on the move and schools.

Unlike budget electret-type or dynamic microphones commonly marketed for computer audio, the cardioid condenser is the studio standard the world over. The DRK microphone has a wide frequency range (30Hz-20kHz), sensitivity of 10mV/Pa, 200W impedance, and S/N ratio of 80dB, making it well suited for a broad spectrum of audio and music applications. In addition, its cardioid pickup pattern, which is more sensitive to sound waves arriving at the front of the microphone as opposed to those arriving from the sides or rear, make the microphone an exceptional recording tool with true studio quality.

Although the DRK is an excellent product, it's worth remembering that using a mic is a matter of personal taste. The MXL microphone may be used for a variety of applications other than those already mentioned, and both the acoustic environment and microphone placement strongly affect the sound obtained from miking a source. The microphone performed excellently in our tests, but you will need to experiment with placement and room treatments to achieve the best overall sound for each application. Using a phantom power source also affects audio quality.

You'll also need to use a pop filter to achieve the most natural sound recording with minimal interference from plosive sounds (those annoying 'popping Ps'), as well as to protect the microphone's sensitive capsule - keeping it free from moisture caused by saliva projecting from the performer's mouth, and breath condensation.

The bundled tripod stand means you can minimise floor noise as well as any noise induced by people handling the microphone out-of-the-box, but you should also invest in shockmount to de-couple the microphone from the micstand and the environment. Good technique, proper positioning, as well as the use of a pop filter and a shockmount will help you to get the best from this excellent mic. [9]

BIOS, Sep 16, 05 | Print | Send | Comments (0) | Posted In Audio