MXL Microphones is shipping the MXL.008 USB / Cardioid Condenser Microphone.

The new MXL.008 features a large diaphragm that delivers a big, rich sound characteristic of studio and broadcast microphones. Unlike most studio condenser microphones, however, the MXL.008 is a USB (Universal Serial Bus) instrument that connects directly to a computer without the need for external mic preamps.

Featuring support for USB 1.1 and 2.0, this easy-to-use microphone includes gain adjustment settings via the built-in three position attenuation switch.

As a plug and play device for both Windows and Macintosh, it requires no special drivers whatsoever. Simply connect the microphone’s USB cable to a computer’s USB port, and installation is quick and effortless. In addition to recording instruments or voice for home recording applications, the new MXL.008 is ideal for podcasting or adding dialog to presentations and other multimedia projects. It is also capable of opening new possibilities for radio and news broadcasters and for location recording.

Unlike electrets or dynamic microphones typically used for computer work, the MXL.008 has an extremely smooth, natural sound typical of what one would hear on a professionally produced CD or radio show. The MXL USB.008 is a professional, large capsule (35 mm) pressure-gradient condenser studio microphone featuring a 20 Hz-20 kHz frequency response, plus a 3-position, switchable attenuation pad with settings for Hi (0 dB), Medium (-5 dB), and Lo (-10 dB), making it easy to configure the microphone to virtually any sound source. The digital section of the microphone features a 16-bit Delta Sigma A/D converter with a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz. Protecting the instrument’s capsule is a heavy-duty wire mesh grill with an integrated pop filter.

In addition to the protective grill that guards the microphone’s capsule, the new MXL.008 ships with a travel case, a desktop microphone stand, a 10-foot USB cable, windscreen, an owner’s manual, and an applications guide.

The MXL.008 USB / Cardioid Condenser Microphone carries an MSRP of $199.00 and is available now.