CAD Audio’s GXL2600USB is the latest addition to their popular line of USB microphones. It is a large diaphragm studio condenser microphone with a 1-inch diameter Aoedein™ permanently polarized capsule. The cardioid-only GXL2600USB works and performs exactly like an XLR cabled studio condenser with the same large sound and detailed pickup.
CAD Audio has their PureTone™ analog-to-digital (A-to-D) converter encased within the mic’s body that gives the mic a -35dB sensitivity, less than 15dB noise level, a 135 dB max SPL and 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range.
I plugged the GXL2600USB into my computer’s USB 2.0 jack and launched Audacity 2.1 to record a narration piece for one of my classes. The GXL2600USB mic showed up in Audacity and I found there was plenty of mic gain available. I used a pop filter just like for any studio condenser to suppress p-pops when speaking close for a fat and distortion-free sound. The GXL2600USB makes a great desktop addition for Skype audio or on-the-road for studio vocals, podcasts, interviews, oral histories and diaries. The GXL2600USB sells for $169 MSRP, and comes with a long USB cable, leatherette travel pouch, shock-mount basket and tripod desk stand.
Barry Rudolph is a recording engineer/mixer who has worked on over 30 gold and platinum records. He has recorded and/or mixed Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hall & Oates, Pat Benatar, Rod Stewart, the Corrs and more. Barry has his own futuristic music mixing facility and loves teaching audio engineering at Musician’s Institute, Hollywood, CA. He is a lifetime Grammy-voting member of NARAS and a contributing editor for Mix Magazine. barryrudolph.com
