MXL iBooster
From SPARK
Contents |
Description
- The MXL iBooster is a square plastic box 3.25” square and 1” high, with a mic input, audio output, and 9 VAC connection. It needs to be plugged into 120 VAC; then the microphone with 1/8” plug goes into the input, and the output is inserted into the line in.
Considerations
- • Many times there is a need for using a microphone directly into a computer without a mixer. The MXL iBooster can be used for this.
- • If the mic signal is weak, it may also be possible to use the iBooster with mic in, either on a USB interface box (such as the Edirol UA-1EX) or directly into the mic input of a computer (a bit more difficult to control the volume). Note that this potential application goes beyond the original purpose for which it was designed. (See comments in the evaluation.)
- • For a different method of boosting line strength, see Rode D-PowerPlug.
Evaluation
- According to MLX, the iBooster was designed for use with MAC computers (which have a line in but not a mic in), but it can also be used with a PC line in. Using it with mic in will have varying results, depending on the microphone. (In some circumstances, the signal could be too hot and result in distortion.) Note also that the iBooster requires 9V of power which is normally supplied through a 110VAC adapter. (You may need to plan ahead, if you are in an area with a different voltage setup.)
- A VMS test of the iBooster with a mixer was a bit more difficult. It seemed to dominate the output, overriding the signal from a second microphone on channel 2.
Where to Obtain
Order From
- • Vernacular Media Services (VMS).
- • Available many places on the Internet.
By: SPARK Volunteer 1; information from VMS evaluation, correspondence with MLX, and other sources.
Date entered: 6 August 2007
