MXL V67i Tube Review – Vintage Tone, Modern Performance

Design:
Features:
Performance:
Value:

• Check Price

As the name suggests, the V67i Tube is a tube-amplified dual-capsule version of the lower-priced solid-state V67i, aimed at professionals who want good versatility when recording. However, instead of extra features or polar patterns, the versatility with this mic comes directly from the sound profile. It’s a unique condenser mic in the higher end, that’s for sure – let’s take a closer look…

Design

Lucky we always start our reviews by talking about the design, because that’s the first thing we want to discuss when it comes to the V67i Tube! Most strikingly, it features a dark forest green chassis with a 24-karat gold grille (plated, not solid of course) for a stunning vintage effect. If you have ever visited the luxury department store Harrods in London – who use these as their brand colors – you’ll know why. It screams prestige.

Despite its refined retro aesthetics, the build quality of the V67i Tube is very modern, using an all-metal chassis and grille, with a heavy-duty finish that lasts.

Features

Being a dual-capsule design, the V67i Tube features two capsules at 1.23” in diameter, both housing a 0.98” diaphragm. These comprise both a 6 and an 8-micron gold-sputtered design, along with an accompanying switch that allows you to change between the two. The thinking here is that the 8-micron diaphragm offers more warmth, while the other gives you a brighter sound. More on this in a sec.

The Mogami electronics are top-notch and the mic is loaded with a 12AT7 dual-triode tube which plays a big part in delivering the vintage tone. As for specs, the V67i Tube is listed as having a frequency response range of 30Hz to 20kHz, along with a max SPL of 140dB. However, with the addition of a -10dB attenuation switch, the max increases to 150dB.

Elsewhere it also comes with a 150Hz high-pass filter switch, while the polar pattern is fixed to cardioid. As for accessories, the offering is ample for a high-end mic like this. It features a power supply, a sturdy aluminum case, a shock mount and a windscreen, among other items.

Performance

The V67i Tube is undoubtedly a very versatile microphone, thanks mainly to the dual-diaphragm design. When the ‘warm’ side is in action, you really do get that vintage tube sound for a rich warmth, while the ‘bright’ side delivers just that – a more vibrant, modern tone with great detail.

But these are no gimmicks – this is a workhorse of a mic that copes very well with both vocals and instruments. With the high SPL, it doesn’t struggle when recording even the most aggressive drums and electric instruments. Yet, it feels so at home with an acoustic guitar, with the warm diaphragm perfect for removing some of the natural harshness and leaving you with a delightful, but still organic tone. Meanwhile, for a tube mic, the self-noise levels are pretty low at just 22dB, leading to clean recordings.

Conclusion

It looks wonderful, it’s built to last and the features deliver a high-end performance. With the addition of the 12AT7 dual-triode tube, this mic is a step up from the original V67i, providing you crave that vintage organic tone. Ultimately, it’s not a cheap mic, but with such a powerful marriage of vintage qualities with modern performance, the V67i Tube delivers a lot for the money.

For more info about the MXL V67i Tube, click here.
For more Condenser Microphone Under $500, click here.