CAD Audio has their PureTone™ analog-to-digital (A-to-D) converter encased within the mic's body that gives the mic a -35dB sensitivity and less than 15dB (A-weighted) equivalent noise level. That's a better spec than many very expensive studio condensers--new and vintage.

I plugged the GXL2600USB into my computer's USB 2.0 jack and also used an Apogee Groove headphone amplifier/DAC for monitoring on my Shure SRH940 headphones. I launched Audacity 2.1 to record a narration piece for one of my classes. I later imported that file into Pro Tools 12 for editing. The GXL2600USB comes with a long USB cable, leatherette travel pouch, shock-mount basket and tripod desk stand--all perfect accessories for this application.

As class-compliant devices in MAC OS, both the GXL2600USB mic and Groove showed up in Audacity as Input and Output devices and I found there was plenty of mic level available from the GXL. I used a pop filter just like any studio condenser to suppress p-pops when speaking close into the mic. My voice sounded fat and distortion-free--the GXL2600USB is capable of 135 dB max SPL and has a 20Hz to 20 kHz frequency range.

The GXL2600USB is both Windows 8 and Mac compatible and makes a great desktop addition for Skype audio or on the road for USB-based home studio vocals, Podcasts, interviews, oral histories and diaries. It sets up easily and works flawlessly.