El Segundo (CA) - Studio quality microphones often require big audio inputs not commonly available on a computer. MXL Microphones announced a new condenser microphone that plugs into a computer’s USB port. The company claims the MXL USB.006 microphone will bring "big rich studio" sound to both PCs and Macs.

The microphone features a large gold diaphragm and has a 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response. The 16-bit analog to digital converter has a sampling rate of 44.1 to 48 kHz. A red LED light, placed under the protective grill, glows when the microphone is active.

MXL Microphones will also be offering their free "MUR" software that turns your computer into a professional audio recorder. It will simulate a 2-Track analogy recorder and will instantly record sound from the MXL into digital format.

The MXL USB Condenser microphone will be available in September for $170.