{"product_id":"mxl-fr-401m-supercardioid-boundary-microphone-stage-and-room-capture","title":"MXL FR-401M Supercardioid Boundary Microphone - Stage and Room Capture","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the MXL FR-401M Supercardioid Boundary Microphone is assessed as a compact, versatile option for capturing multiple sound sources at once. The FR-401M is best for engineers and performers who need a boundary mic that rejects rear noise while picking up room ambience; the single biggest reason to buy is its three capsule array that captures sound from three sides while minimizing unwanted sounds from behind the mic. The built-in 15-ft XLR cable and Mogami internal wiring make it ready for stage and field use without extra adapters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThree capsule array:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provides broad coverage across a stage or table while allowing focused pickup from the front and sides.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSupercardioid boundary pattern:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rejects sound from the back so you can record the performers while keeping audience noise low.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuilt-in 15-ft XLR cable:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lets you position the mic at a distance from the mixer or camera without adding cables on set.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMogami internal wiring:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ensures a strong, clean signal path and reduces the chance of noise from cheap internal cabling.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMultipurpose design:\u003c\/strong\u003e Suitable for stage, live performance, interviews, podcasting and simple studio work where room sound is desired.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe FR-401M is aimed at live sound techs, small venue performers, podcasters doing roundtable interviews, and videographers who need a boundary mic they can lay on a stage or near talent and capture multiple sources. Its supercardioid boundary design is useful when you want to pick up a group or a stage area while minimizing rear noise, such as audience bleed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is less appropriate for a user who needs a tight, single-instrument close mic for studio overdubs or highly directional broadcast work; those users should consider mics purpose-built for close-up single-source capture. Also, users needing wireless or USB convenience will need additional gear, since the FR-401M uses a hardwired XLR connection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReliable room and stage coverage from the three capsule array for multi-source pickup.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGood rejection of rear noise thanks to the supercardioid\/boundary configuration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDurable, ready-to-use setup with a 15-ft built-in XLR and quality Mogami wiring for strong signal output.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot ideal for extremely close, single-source studio tasks where a different pickup pattern would be preferable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMXL FR-401M\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePolar pattern\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupercardioid boundary (three capsule array)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBuilt-in 15-ft XLR\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInternal wiring\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMogami cable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTypical uses\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStage, live performance, interviews, podcasting, studio room capture\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MXL FR-401M is a practical, value-minded boundary microphone for anyone who needs to capture multiple sources or room ambience while reducing rear noise. With its three capsule array, built-in 15-ft XLR and Mogami wiring, it is a dependable choice for stage work, interviews and field video audio where simple setup and reliable signal are priorities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan this mic be plugged directly into a camera?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the FR-401M can be used with a video camera when the camera has an XLR input or via an appropriate external XLR interface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it pick up audience noise?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt rejects sound from the back, so when the back is pointed at the audience the mic reduces audience bleed compared with omnidirectional boundary mics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the cable removable?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo, the FR-401M includes a built-in 15-ft XLR cable that is internally wired with Mogami cable and is not intended to be removed.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MXL","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48628099416283,"sku":"B006Q4N92U","price":82.94,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/61Zj6jlPivL._AC_SL1200.jpg?v=1778496004","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/mxl-fr-401m-supercardioid-boundary-microphone-stage-and-room-capture","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}