MXL Studio 24 condenser mic no longer working

[WarrenTL97]

Howdy,
Not sure if this is the right place (new to forums), but hoping someone might know something about my condenser mic that no longer works on my Mac.
It worked on my old one, but doesn't on my new one.
This one has the M1 chip, and I have read other posts that something changed with that.
Anyway, if anyone knows anything about this, would be great to know either way whether it could work or not.

Thank you kindly,
Warren

 

[Fishrrman]

Tell us WHICH Mac you have and what OS is running on it.

Is it a laptop?

If it is, did you open System Settings...
Then click "Privacy and Security"...
Then scroll down to the setting that enables you to connect external USB devices automatically?

Also...
That's a USB mic.
Did you check "Audio/MIDI Setup"?
I'm wondering if it has to be added as a new USB audio input...

 

[WarrenTL97]

Wow, thanks for such a quick response.
It's a macbook pro, model A2338 running Sonoma 14.6.1
I tried to find the "connect external USB devices automatically", but I don't see it.
2 or 3 times that I've plugged it in, it has asked to allow and I click yes, but I've never seen it anywhere.
I've looked in the audio/midi setup too, but I don't see anything there to help me.

It is a USB-A, and I have a generic USB-C adapter, I've read that can be an issue if it's not an Apple adapter. 🤷🏼‍♂️
I'll buy a new mic if I have to, but seems like such a simple thing to just ... work.

 

[MajorFubar]

This is going to sound elitist, but please bear with me because that's not where I'm heading.

From what I can see the MXL Studio 24 was a $150 USB mic available what seems like exclusively in the US some 15 years ago. So the reason your brand new Mac isn't seeing it is probably because it's too damn old.

Technology has come on in leaps and bounds since 2010. As a creator you deserve something better than a tired 15 y/o USB mic.

If you want to stick to a USB mic rather than buy an audio interface and a regular condenser mic (which is the route I would advise), try something like an Audio Technica AT2020USB+. It's going to be so exponentially better than your current mic, you're going to think your ears have just been upgraded to HD.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP wrote:
"I tried to find the "connect external USB devices automatically", but I don't see it.
2 or 3 times that I've plugged it in, it has asked to allow and I click yes, but I've never seen it anywhere."

Go to System Preferences.
Go to Privacy & Security.
Scroll down.
See this?

Having said that, I kinda agree with Major Fubar above.
Might be time for a new mic.

However, I have a better suggestion:
Why not get an actual audio interface?
One with which you can use any mic with an XLR connection?

Something like:

Scarlett Solo

Bringing big studio sound to wherever you make music, Focusrite Scarlett Solo makes it easier than ever to record and release your songs.

focusrite.com

or

Scarlett 2i2

The original studio-quality 2-in, 2-out interface, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, has been remastered for the artist.

focusrite.com

 

[WarrenTL97]

This is going to sound elitist, but please bear with me because that's not where I'm heading.

From what I can see the MXL Studio 24 was a $150 USB mic available what seems like exclusively in the US some 15 years ago. So the reason your brand new Mac isn't seeing it is probably because it's too damn old.

Technology has come on in leaps and bounds since 2010. As a creator you deserve something better than a tired 15 y/o USB mic.

If you want to stick to a USB mic rather than buy an audio interface and a regular condenser mic (which is the route I would advise), try something like an Audio Technica AT2020USB+. It's going to be so exponentially better than your current mic, you're going to think your ears have just been upgraded to HD.

Thanks for the 2 cents, I do appreciate it.
I haven't done much recording for years now(as you can see), but I'd like to get back into it, was just hoping to play a little without spending too much.

 

[WarrenTL97]

OP wrote:
"I tried to find the "connect external USB devices automatically", but I don't see it.
2 or 3 times that I've plugged it in, it has asked to allow and I click yes, but I've never seen it anywhere."

Go to System Preferences.
Go to Privacy & Security.
Scroll down.
See this?
View attachment 2592766

Having said that, I kinda agree with Major Fubar above.
Might be time for a new mic.

However, I have a better suggestion:
Why not get an actual audio interface?
One with which you can use any mic with an XLR connection?

Something like:

Scarlett Solo

Bringing big studio sound to wherever you make music, Focusrite Scarlett Solo makes it easier than ever to record and release your songs.

focusrite.com

or

Scarlett 2i2

The original studio-quality 2-in, 2-out interface, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, has been remastered for the artist.

focusrite.com

Thanks for the info, much appreciated. Pretty sure I have that set to "always" already.
I guess it's time for a new one, or the audio interface direction as you've suggested.
I was hoping to get a bit back into first before purchases, but I guess I'm here now.
Thanks again.

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

Thanks for the 2 cents, I do appreciate it.
I haven't done much recording for years now(as you can see), but I'd like to get back into it, was just hoping to play a little without spending too much.

Do you have your older computer so you can test the usb condenser mic? Perhaps the mic bit the dust? Did you test the A to C adapter? Maybe it is broken and not passing data through? I am very wary that a properly functioning usb-c to a adapter would make your usb-a mic not be recognized. I have used many decades old usb-a peripherals via A to C adapters with zero issue. My understanding is that really, they serve as nothing more than a bridge to pass through data and power - which has been exactly my experience. There is no gate-keeping function that they play.

Unlike A, when you plug in the male C portion of the adapter into your mac, it should "snap" in. You'll feel/hear it click in. Are you pushing it in all the way?

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

I see that Amazon still sells this exact microphone for $140 USD bucks actually. A few additional thoughts:

1.) Do you have a usb-B to C cable? If you suspect your adapter is causing you problems, you can eliminate the adapter outright with a cable upgrade that terminates in C vs A. $7.99 USD with free shipping on amazon. Assuming you can prove the mic works via your old mac for example, I'd give that cable a shot before I drop for a new mic or anything more.
2.) Let's say the mic doesnt work on your old mac - if the mic is dead, there are affordable condensor mic options on amazon as low as $25.00 USD. Granted they too are usb-A (LOL) but ship with a usb A to C adapter. Point is that if you want to have some recording fun, dont let this stop you. You can get into a new mic affordably without dropping hundreds for an interface, and hundreds more for a mic, cables etc. and the DAW software to use them.

Good luck.