MXL APS Podcasting Bundle Review

MXL APS Bundle Overview

BCD-1

As this is a bundle product, we will be covering each component individually, as well as together as a finished product.

MXL APS Podcasting Bundle

The first item we are looking at is the BCD-1. The BCD-1 is an end address microphone, meaning that the best sound pickup is from the end of the microphone as opposed to the side. The BCD-1 is designed to reduce audio pickup from the sides, as to keep out unwanted sounds, and the cardioid polar pattern assists with this as well.

The BCD-1 comes packed in its own cardboard box, with glossy imagery of the microphone itself, and the backside of the microphone’s box provides product information and specifications, as well as some additional product imagery.

MXL APS Podcasting Bundle MXL APS Podcasting Bundle

Packed with the BCD-1 are a few marketing materials, as well as product and warranty information, along with an MXL sticker and mircofiber cleaning cloth. Also included are a thread adapter for compatibility with multiple arm designs, and a foam microphone windscreen, which we definitely recommend using.

MXL APS Podcasting Bundle

Additionally, the BCD-1 comes safely packed in a plastic carrying case, which opens up to reveal a form-fitting foam interior. The BCD-1 was safely nestled in its cutout, and we really appreciate the inclusion of this case, though we expect this microphone to stay in place once mounted, which sort of defeats the purpose of the case.

MXL APS Podcasting Bundle MXL APS Podcasting Bundle

Moving on to the microphone itself, the BCD-1 is very solid, featuring a full metal body. The black metal frame of the microphone surrounds a nearly full-length microphone grill and offers protection for the microphone’s internals, and a sturdy body to work from.

MXL APS Podcasting Bundle

Attached to the sides of the microphone body are the arms of the included microphone arm adapter. This mount provides adjustable thumbscrews on each side to position the microphone within the adapter as you see fit, and also offers an additional thumbscrew for adjusting the angle of the adapter itself. A standard microphone stand female thread is found at the end of the adapter for attachment to a microphone arm, and a thread adapter is included to offer compatibility with multiple arm designs.

MXL APS Podcasting Bundle

At the bottom of the BCD-1 is a standard XLR connection, which extends from the microphone body about an inch.

MXL APS Podcasting Bundle

With no integrated controls or buttons, the BCD-1 is a pretty simple microphone, and the only labeling is the MXL brand and the microphone product name that is found around the diameter of the microphone body.

BCD-Stand

The APS Bundle’s included microphone stand, the BCD-Stand comes packed in its own cardboard box as well, which like the BCD-1 offers a few product images on the front, as well as a bit of product information.

MXL APS Podcasting Bundle

Overall, the BCD-Stand is a pretty standard and generic swiveling and extending microphone arm. A set of springs on each arm portion assist with positioning the arm, and thumbscrews keep the arm exactly where you want it.

MXL APS Podcasting Bundle

What does stand out about the BCD-Stand however, is that the included 12ft XLR cable is built-in, and runs inside the body of the arm. This design has its pros and cons, but for the most part, we appreciate the cleanliness of this design. This also keeps you from having to figure out which cable you want to use, and figuring out how you want to attach it to the arm.

MXL APS Podcasting Bundle

Mounting options for the BCD-Stand include a standard clamp mount, as well as a more permanent screw mount. Each has their place, and we appreciate the inclusion of both options. The clamp mount does include a foam pad to protect your mounting surface, which is a nice inclusion. Both mounting options also offer a hand-tightening screw to secure the arm from unwanted rotation.

MXL APS Podcasting Bundle

Mic Mate Pro

While the BCD-1 and BCD-Stand are pretty self explanatory, the Mic Mate Pro may need a bit of an introduction. The Mic Mate Pro is used to convert the XLR interface of a microphone to a USB connection suitable for connecting to a PC or Mac. In order for for the BCD-1 to function, it requires what is known as “phantom power”. The Mic Mate Pro takes the 5V supplied via the USB plug and steps it up to 48V for phantom power, though at a much lower amperage.

As with the rest of the APS Bundle components, the Mic Mate Pro is packed in its own internal box, with a product image on the front, and a feature list and product information on the back.

MXL APS Podcasting Bundle MXL APS Podcasting Bundle

Included with the Mic Mate Pro itself is a 6ft long USB cable, user manual, product information paperwork, a microfiber cloth, and an MXL sticker.

MXL APS Podcasting Bundle

The Mic Mate Pro additionally comes packed in a faux-leather zippered pouch for east transportation and protection, though like the BCD-1, we don’t expect it will be used much in its permanent mounting place.

MXL APS Podcasting Bundle

At right around five inches in length, the Mic Mate Pro features a mostly metal body, with a few plastic accents.

MXL APS Podcasting Bundle

At the top end of the Mic Mate Pro is a female XLR connector for attaching to the BCD-Stand’s integrated XLR cable.

MXL APS Podcasting Bundle

Midway down the body of the adapter is a red LED light that illuminates when the USB connection is present. Just below is a gain control knob to for microphone adjustment, and a headphone volume control knob is a bit further down.

MXL APS Podcasting Bundle

At the bottom of the Mic Mate Pro is a 3.5mm headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring, as well as a mini USB port for connectivity to your PC.

MXL APS Podcasting Bundle