Wave Issue 0446 11/26/04 Article 11-01

***Silicon Valve Classic Tube Sound Makes a Comeback In A Solid
State Microphone

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.
Nov. 19, 2004

In a project lasting over three years, engineers at Marshall
Electronics HDTV Lab in El Segundo, Calif., examined the world's
most sought after classic tube microphones that were used to
record the world's most famous artists in the 50s and 60s, and
determined what sonic characteristics helped maintain their
popularity for more then 50 years. This actually is a painstaking
process as advanced test equipment can measure two circuits
almost the same, but listening tests will show they sound totally
different. Just ask any pro-studio and you'll always find the
same answer -- "Classic tube microphones have a definitely
superior sound that cannot be achieved even with the newest
generations of solid state mics."

This research led to the new MXL Silicon Valve(TM) series of
microphones, which provides this almost magical tube-like sound
in a solid state microphone. The first in the series, the V6, was
demonstrated at the recent Audio Engineering Society exhibit in
San Francisco to the world's best professionals that were totally
surprised at the microphone's tube-like sound.

The second in the series, the V2, with a slightly more forward
sound, will be demonstrated to the music industry along with the
V6 at the NAMM 2005 at the Anaheim Convention Center, Jan. 20-23,
Booth #423. Other higher-end models are scheduled to be released
spring 2005.

The MXL Silicon Valve V6 will be available in Jan. 2005, with a
MSRP of $349.00. The V2 will be available in Feb., with a MSRP of
$299.00.

www.mars-cam.com/