Review – Following my carbon microphone review, another Element series microphone arrived. This time it is Mackie’s top Element series model Chromium microphone.
What is it?
The Mackie Element series Chromium microphone is a desktop USB microphone with built-in support for musical instruments and auxiliary sources, and built-in level and mixing controls. If you are looking for a simple setup, it can easily replace multiple parts of the recording system to produce any unsimple results.
What’s in the box?
- Mackie Element Series Chrome Microphone
- USB-A to USB-C data cable
- User manual
Hardware specifications
4 Polarity mode: Stereo, cardioid, two-way (Figure 8), omnidirectional
Sampling Rate: Up to 16 bits, 48kHz
Connectivity：USB-C t0 USB-A cable, no driver required
Vocal: Onboard headphone port with volume control/mixed USB and direct signal
Microphone control: Polarity mode dial, gain, mute switch (microphone)
Base control: Headphone port with volume control, USB/microphone mixing, auxiliary input and volume, instrument input and volume
At base Display: professional metering with input/output readings
put up: Robust all-aluminum structure
Microphone base: Weighted, adjustable microphone angle
Design and features
The Chromium microphone is part of the Element series and is a powerful desktop microphone with additional inputs for auxiliary and instrumental as well as mixing and signal control.
The mute button allows you to control it instantly when you need it, and the gain knob can adjust the level. The mode selector provides four different polarity modes, so you can easily switch to the mode that best suits your needs.
Based on the Chromium microphone, there are multiple controls and inputs. The headphone port has its own volume control, as do Aux and instrument inputs. The knob on the bottom left mixes USB and microphone, while the meter in the middle allows you to pay close attention to your volume.
There is a traction pad at the bottom of the weighted base, which provides a solid foundation for it.
The adjustment knob on the back allows you to set the optimal angle of the microphone.
set up
Connect the included cable to the USB-C port on the back of the microphone base, and connect the USB-A connector to an available port on the computer. If you are using a USB-C or Thunderbolt machine, you will need an adapter or hub. Please note that, like Carbon microphones, it seems that USB-C to USB-C cables are supported.
On your computer, you need to enter the audio settings in the system preferences or specific applications (maybe both depend on your global settings), and then select Chrome microphone.
Use the gain control on the front of Chromium to set the microphone level. The meter on the base will be the best way to pay close attention to whether your level is where you need it.
If you want to use headphones, connect them to the port on the base using 3.5 mm/1/8 inch plugs, and then use the controls to set your volume. If you want to connect an auxiliary source, the same is true; just use the auxiliary port and this control. To connect instruments such as guitars, you need a standard 1/4-inch cable and connect it to the jack on the back of the Chromium base.
Finally, use the hybrid dial to balance the microphone with any other inputs you are using.
As for the microphone, you need to adjust the directivity mode selector to choose from 4 different modes. Mackie’s own chart provides a good explanation of which settings are best for different purposes. Please note that supercardioid pointing (present on carbon microphones) is not an option of Chromium.
Performance
Chromium Mic and Carbon microphone I reviewed it in July. It is very sturdy and should easily survive the tour, especially since it is designed for desktop/USB use. In terms of vocal characteristics, the only real performance difference is the lack of a super cardioid mode. This is a small detail, which is a good trade-off compared to all the additional features Mackie has added, so let’s take a look at these.
When the bottom of the microphone is filled with dials, gauges and inputs, these additional functions are immediately visible. Like Carbon, you can connect headphones, but with Chromium, you can now also connect auxiliary sources and instruments, each with a separate level control. The mixing knob allows you to balance these inputs according to the microphone to set the final mix. So yes, it’s basically a mixer on top of a great microphone.
If the source setting is too high, the meter in the center of the base will provide you with instant visual effects, alerting you to possible clipping.
I have only one real problem when using the Chromium microphone. Just like the Carbon microphone I reviewed before, when I use a USB-C to USB-C cable, my computer cannot recognize the Chromium microphone. As a Mac user, my machine only has a USB-C port, which is a bit frustrating. Hope this is a problem they can solve through firmware upgrade.
I am still happy to use Carbon as my preferred microphone for all my computational vocal needs. However, my college-age kids made a lot of music together, and now they are indeed on both sides of the country, Chromium will come in handy. I sent it to my daughter so she could add vocals and additional guitar tracks to the songs my son recorded and mastered. This is a good solution, because this single product replaces a separate microphone, audio interface, etc., making it easier to integrate into dormitory life.
This is a quick audio track they wandered around in the classic film “Fly Me to the Moon.”
what do I like
- Excellent audio quality, with obvious differences between the 4 different audio modes
- Integrated support for musical instruments and auxiliary inputs, mute and headphones, and control and mixing
- High-quality construction and cleaning meter display
What will i change
- Support for USB-C cables (because more and more laptops are giving up USB-A)
Final thoughts
As i am in mine Mackie Carbon Fiber Microphone To recap, Mackie is a name that should catch your attention. Chromium microphones can be set up quickly and are very easy to use, especially considering that it can also be used as an auxiliary input for guitars and mixer functions. Given its incredibly strong structure, you will feel good because it can withstand almost anything you can throw at it.
Price: $199.99 Element series carbon fiber microphone
Where to buy: Amazon
source: The sample of this product is made by McGee
