Senal MXGN-18C 18' Gooseneck Condenser Microphone with Integrated Base & Silent Touch Pad

We bought 20 of these mic setups for a board meeting. I like the fact the system includes a built in low cut filter, easy to configure latching control, and an illuminated tally light. We did experience issues with several of the mics where the windscreens did not stay on the capsule securely. was excellent in sending us replacements. My only wish is that the tally LED was also visibly on the base. It is very difficult for the user to notice the red ring light is enabled when the windscreen is attached since it blocks the view. We had several issues during our first use in the field with them where the people speaking were not aware that their mics were still hot. Sound reproduction quality and pickup is above average. Slight system noise but within acceptable range, especially at this price point.

High quality design and feel. Audio is great and well balanced. Does not cut-off aggressively when talking while moving your mouth slightly away from the center.

out of about 20 units one had a dodgy cable. Would be so much better if it had an xlr connector on the base and you use your own cables.

The MXGN-18C base and gooseneck are made of metal, matte finish and the weighty base keeps it steady on a surface. I like the dual gooseneck design, which the upper and lower areas you can adjust are located in the right place, and the middle is always straight, giving that elegant look. I have an unusual plan to use this mic. I plan to utilize this mic primarily for wedding cinematography, setting up at the priest / readers podium for capturing audio for me. Yes, the church has their own, but their mic is for their PA system and won't do anything for me as it is not connected to my recorders. Another cool thing with this unit, I can leave it in the shot, like a camouflage as it is the typical thing you'll expect to find at a church's podium, A gooseneck mic instead of clamping your whatever other mic to their existing gooseneck mic like most videographers do... For that reason, I chose the 18 instead of the 12 version as it will reach the person's mouth at a closer proximity, just like the church's 18 mic when I set this mic there side by side. The instruction manual recommends a distance of 6 or 12 proximity, but I like to get them as close as 3 for that extra presence. So, let's talk about what it really matters. The SOUND. As a sound engineer, to obtain the best sound with this mic, or any other mic, is: Always keep the mic as close as possible to the source, and speak directly at it, on axis.I would recommend no less than 4 for that nice voice presence and fullness, this, getting to minimize background noise you don't want. The MXGN-18C also comes with a windscreen. Condenser mics are sensitive and provide a powerful and warm, filling signal. This mic comes default included with a Cardioid capsule, but that's not all... The MXGN-18C also accepts 2 other optional Senal capsules especially made for it! I recommend that you get all 3 capsules for various scenarios and location situations, including different room acoustics and number of people speaking . And the windscreen does a good job on all 3 capsules holding back plosives. (just don't get extremely close to the mic) Cardioid:(comes standard with this unit) It's nice and directional, rejecting most sounds from the sides and back. The voice sounds very good, and if you like to add a little extra EQ in post, you can shape the audio in anyway your taste requires. But, out of the box it provides very good quality audio without touching anything. Super Cardioid: (optional accessory) As far as timbre and tonal properties, it sounds identical to the Cardioid, with the exception that the Super Cardioid capsules are even narrower than the Cardioid. Also great for a stationary lecturer at a podium or for speaking in loud and noisy environments. A hypercardioid mic, a little extra caution should be used when near a loudspeaker placed right behind the mic, since the BACK of a Super Cardioid capsule also picks up some sound from its BACK and can trigger feedback. Also, to avoid feedback, reduce the gain of the mic from your mixer console. By having a person speaking closer to the mic, not only it helps obtaining a cleaner and clearer voice eliminating unwanted background and mic feedback. Omnidirectional capsule: (optional accessory)It can capture sound from 350.o degrees and equal loudness, (as long as everyone around is in the same distance from the mic). This particular capsule, I was quite pleased. It has an extra brilliance and slightly higher frequency tones. To change the capsules, it takes seconds! also, do not overtighten them. Gently screw clockwise until it stops. Also, you'll notice, the capsules you buy extra, they come in a thick pad of foam. That's because Cardioid mics and capsules are delicate. Avoid dropping these, including the whole set. Dynamic mics can take a beating, but not Condensers. You're going to enjoy the Touch PAD feature. My favorite is the setting that the mic is LIVE all the time, without touching anything and it will only mute when you tap and no need to hold. You can also change settings to tap and hold to mute, or tap to speak. Oh, I almost forgot to mention! The way these capsules act, If you accidentally tap or hit the base or the gooseneck area or even the mic itself, you will NOT hear a big thud or thump on your speakers, headphones or recording. Of course, you'll hear a bumping noise, but a very thin and tinny bumping sound, which will not damage your speakers, while still capturing the full spectrum of your voice . VERY NICE!!! The red LED tells you when the mic is on which is very useful, especially for me, as I would be leaving the mic at a distance with whoever comes up to speak on it filming a wedding ceremony with a recorder attached to it and of course running on 48V Phantom power needed to power the MXGN-18C. The LED gives the insurance that my sound is being recorded and no one unplugged it or muted it either accidentally or on purpose. The MXGN-18C features a low cut filter which attenuates 20 dB at 100 Hz to impede bass build-up and low-frequency rumble from HVAC systems and other things, but, to me, it's a little aggressive cutting out some important frequencies on the voice rance. This mic without the low cut already captures perfect, AS IS, at normal, without any low cut. I will always record my audio from this mic without any low cut filter applied. You won't need to use the low cut in 90% of the cases. Noise Floor: Testing a recording with a Tascam DR 100 Mark III, the noise floor from the MXGN-18C is almost NON EXISTENT! Clean as a bell. No ssssssss or hiss. None! Cardioid mics, as you probably already know, they are HOT, strong signal, requiring very little gain on your mixer or audio recorders. The lower the gain, the cleaner the noise floor is. An of course, that quality of your recorder PreAmps is a really important fact. Highly recommended, not only for what the manufacturer suggests, but also for movie making and weddings. Again, this mic can act as a prop on set while capturing the audio you need from it, on that take / scene you're filming! Need a CASE to transport it? Believe it or not, a trumpet bag? I occurred to me to think of something that would fit a 20 long and narrow object such as this unit and it happened to be the perfect thing!

Built like a tank but as flexible as a contortionist! As soon as I removed this product out of the packaging, I was surprised by the weight of the base. This weight creates an extremely stable platform for the 18' gooseneck and there is no fear of tipping, sliding or tilting. The gooseneck is extremely flexible but maintains its position once in place. I absolutely love the touch panel! I used this to record voiceovers for video. I like to watch as the video plays and then use the touch panel to un-mute to the mic and record my vocals. The entire process is silent so it does not result in background noise. I am recording into a Zoom H4n and this mic works great (just turn on Phantom power on your recorder). The little ring around the microphone lights up red to for a visible cue which informs you that you are muted. The quality of the microphone is top notch and I love it. You can use it for post-production or live events. It is simple with some great features to customize your user experience. I highly recommend this mic as I am sure that it will go the distance and provides great quality to any event or production. .