Devoted singer/songwriter Joshua P. Fields developed his passion for music at a young age. When he decided to turn his love of music into a professional career, Fields selected MXL Microphones affordable, high-quality microphone solutions for his home studio set up. Honing in on his signature vocal style, Fields was immediately drawn to the clarity and warmth of MXL mics. Over the years, Fields has grown alongside the brand, acquiring its latest and greatest studio microphone offerings and building a complete mic locker of MXL gear.
“When I first began my recording journey, I purchased the MXL 440 Studio Condenser Mic and, shortly thereafter, graduated to the 990,” explains Fields. “Last year, I acquired the REVELATION II Tube Microphone. I still turn to my 990, but the step up to the REVELATION II is astronomical; just when I think MXL can’t possibly get any better, they prove me wrong!”
For Fields, recording tracks with the REVELATION II is his first hands-on experience with a tube mic. Comparing the MXL 990 to the REVELATION II, Fields says he can definitely hear the difference in his mixes. “Working with the REVELATION II tube mic has been incredible. It offers me more versatility when mixing and enhances the detail of my tracks, which allows me to get the exact sound I desire. With the 990, it’s still very crisp and clean, but you’re losing the classic, more detailed tube mic sound that everyone loves.”
Most recently, Fields acquired the brand’s new REVELATION MINI FET microphone and has been loving the big sound that comes out of this compact mic. “Comparing the sound quality of the REVELATION II to the REVELATION MINI, I’m blown away by the fact that I can barely hear a difference using the smaller, FET-based mic,” he adds. “The REV MINI sounds just as great as its larger predecessor. It’s impressive what these tiny mics can do digitally, without an analog tube. I have a stereo pair and I’ve been recording acoustic guitar and vocals, and the warmth of the tones is awesome. These mics sound really huge for what they are.”
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Fields has upped his social media game, hosting a great deal of content using his arsenal of MXL mics to capture pristine audio. “Transitioning from physical performances to virtual platforms has been an interesting yet educational experience,” he says. “Playing live is always preferred―you can’t beat the electricity and buzz of a live audience in a small venue or bar. This pandemic has really pushed me to expand my social media presence and production value while also paying more attention to how my music is delivered, not just how it sounds. MXL has played a massive role in my journey of enhancing the audio quality of my music, and I look forward to continuing to rely on the brand for years to come.”
Follow Joshua P. Fields on Instagram and Spotify to keep up with his latest work as he continues to create awesome tracks with MXL mics.