[Madguitrst]

Okay, here's the deal with these mics:

MXL's QC has improved IMO, just as many Chinese capsules are becoming more more consistent - they're being held to a higher standard by many of the rebranders - and some Chinese capsules are actually pretty darned good, good enough to be used in some high end mics, such as Manley, some Soundelux (U195), etc. Additionally, 797 Audio, which produces the Studio Projects line (and also makes the capsule for the MXL 2003) makes nice capsule - and products in general.

All of that said, the V69 has gone through a few incarnations and early on was inconsistent IMO (the earliest V69 had tubes that were soldered in).

The mic is interesting in that it can be thick and gooey but some have a weird, sort of displaced high end spike (around 10kHz). Depending on many variables, ie: particular mic, source being mic'd, preamp, your golden ears, this may or may not be noticed.

One off the best bangs for the buck mod is to replace the stock tube with a Mullard CV4024 ($20 or so). BTW, a tube mic should NOT be going through so many tubes.

I've had two V69ME and never had a problem with either.
I liked them for what they are and feel they can be a capable performer - but like any mic, it is what it is and will either fit you or not (or sometimes or not).

I have found MXL to have excellent service. Recently someone walked off with the cases to my V6 and M3, two of the very few lower cost mics I still use (I actually prefer the V6 to the V69 for thickness without the odd high end.....and when I'm lazy and don't want to plug-in a power supply) and MXL sent me two for free. Nice.

BTW, I now take out the inner mesh on all of my mics. It has made a huge difference on some and a subtle difference on others, but a difference every time.
In general, if you find a mic harsh/eshy/hashy, a mesh mod may help.

-Mad