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MXL 990 - Condenser Microphone

MXL 990 - Condenser Microphone

MXL 770 Guitar Demo

MXL 770 Guitar Demo

MXL 770 Female Vocal Demo

MXL 770 Female Vocal Demo

MXL

Description

The 990 large-diaphragm condenser microphone with shockmount from MXL combines high-end components with an affordable price tag. Featuring a gold-sputtered, 6-micron diaphragm and German-style transformerless circuitry with a FET preamp, the 990 delivers professional-caliber recordings with articulate highs, balanced mids and solid lows. Its fixed cardioid polar pattern is perfectly suited for vocals, voiceovers and acoustic instruments. Housed in a durable, vintage-styled body, the 990 comes ready to capture your best takes with included accessories like a custom shockmount, mic stand adapter and protective carrying case.

Diaphragm and Circuitry Built for Broadcast-Quality Sound

At the heart of the 990's performance lies its gold-sputtered, 6-micron diaphragm, which accurately translates even the subtlest nuances into lifelike recordings. Combined with German-style transformerless circuitry and a FET preamp, the 990 achieves a balanced frequency response with a gentle presence peak for articulate highs and intelligible yet natural-sounding vocals. The result is a condenser mic able to capture studio-caliber audio at a price perfect for home studios.

Cardioid Polar Pattern Captures What You Want

With its fixed cardioid polar pattern, the 990 is highly focused on sound sources directly in front of the mic capsule. This makes it ideal for recording vocals, voiceovers and acoustic instruments while reducing unwanted ambient noise from the sides and rear. The cardioid pattern also helps eliminate phase issues that can occur when using multiple mics, allowing for simple yet high-quality multi-mic setups.

Roadworthy and Ready to Record

Despite its budget-friendly price, the 990 is built to withstand the rigors of recording and travel. Its durable metal chassis features a vintage-inspired design. A custom shockmount, mic stand adapter and protective carrying case come included, providing everything needed to set up the 990 and hit record. With the 990, you get a condenser mic and pro-level gear in one affordable package.

MXL 990 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone With Shockmount
MXL 990 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone With Shockmount
MXL 990 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone With Shockmount

Features

  • FET preamp with beautifully balanced sound
  • Provides silky sweet high end and retains tight, solid low and midrange reproduction
  • Vintage body style with champagne finish
  • Includes custom shockmount, mic stand adapter & carrying case
warning

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, and Lead, which is known to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Specs

Audio
  • Analog or digital: Analog
  • Frequency response: 30Hz–20kHz
  • Max SPL: 130dB
  • Connectivity: XLR
Pattern and type
  • Capsule: Condenser
  • Polar pattern: Cardioid
  • Type: Mounted
  • Switches: None
  • Phantom power required: Yes
Size and weight
  • Diameter: 2.4"
  • Length: 5.11"
  • Weight: 1.2 lb.
Included accessories
  • Case: Yes
  • Clip: Yes
  • Shockmount: Yes
  • Power supply: N/A
  • Cable: No
  • Stand: No

Warranty

3 year parts and labor warranty. (MXL990 and MXL991 have a 1 Year Parts and Labor Warranty)

Featured Articles

Reviews

4.57

88 Reviews

97%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Awesome Around House Studio Mic...

Most Liked Positive Review

5

Sometimes You Get More Than You Pay For .....

Iv'e been recording professionally for over 30 years. I have worked with artist like Prince, Michael Jackson, Patti Labelle, Luther Vandross, DJ Quik, TLC, Tyrese, and the list goes on and on and on. Initially I purchased 8 of these mics to use to record a choir. I had a high end board so I figured I couldnt go wrong with them. BTW .. Marshall produces some pretty amazing high quality microphones. Do not be fooled by the price. An experienced engineer can get the best out of any equipment. But Marshall really does produce good microphones for an unbelievable low price. I was amazed at the performance of these little mics. Since then I have used them on everything from vocals, acoustic guitars, guitar amps, overheads for drums. One day a friend came in with his that he did a 3 dollar modification on. He simply changed out 3 capacitors and opened the head basket. We recorded his vocals and I was floored. We did a A/B with my Nuemann 103 running into a pair of Avalon M5s and again I was floored. I modded 4 of the 8 and they have been my go mics for several years now; and we have a mic locker most would kill over. Even with out the Mod you cant go wrong with these. Get a GOOD pre-amp and I guarantee you will NOT be disappointed. Am I saying that these mics are going to compete with a C12, Telefunken, Neumann that cost anywhere from 1500 - 13,000 .... Yes ...... and NO! Just depends on the platform. If using a kick drum or overheads ..NO! Vocals .... yes/no (a tube mic will sound different). But then you have to ask yourself if the difference is worth 10,000 .... If I had one complaint about them is that the mids can be a little harsh with a lower end pre-amp. But even a 10k mic wont sound its best through a terrible pre-amps.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

3

You get what you pay for

Well first of all, for the guy who wrote the comment about the phantom power, I hate to break it to you but ALL condenser Mics require phantom power. You shouldn't have bought it if you couldn't supply the phantom power. But Moving on, this mic is not a bad deal at all. I have used it to record vocals, guitars, and some other instuments. If you really want to improve the sound, then get some GOOD pre-amps and you will be pretty impressed at the change in sound quality. However for those who think they might be dissapointed with this mic, just remember that you get what you pay for. You can't purchase an MXL mic and expect it to sound like a AKG or a NEUMANN. Be Logical.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Home Studio28
  2. Amateur Recording23
  3. Professional Recording10
  4. Performances9
  5. Outdoor Events / Games5
Cons
  1. Bulky/Heavy3
  2. Not Durable3
  3. Up close the paint job looks a little cheap1
  4. Gritty low end/ hissing high end1
  5. Mids can be a little harsh1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced22
  2. Novice8
  3. Professional Musician7
Pros
  1. Good Audio32
  2. Easy To Use29
  3. Compact21
  4. Lightweight18
  5. Durable17

Reviewed by 88 customers

  • Happy with the deal of the day

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byKim

    fromFairhaven, Ma

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I'm no engineer or production manager but as a solo recording neophyte, I'm happy with this MXL condenser mic. Looks nice, set up easy and no problems with recording. Has nice hard carry case.

  • Great mic, cheap mounting hardware

    4

    Verified Buyer

    submitted4 years ago

    byMsrk

    fromCentennial CO

    Using it for home recording guitar, double bass and vocal. Sound quality is decent but tightening screw on shock-mount broke FIRST time used.

  • I would buy this microphone again.

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted4 years ago

    byJohn

    fromNew York

    I use this microphone for recording but note that it is very sensitive and will pick up PICK strikes and guitar sounds. Therefore, I use it for overdubbing from a quiet room. You can use it on stage where where the noise masks minor sounds by controlling the gain.

  • Good for the price

    5

    submitted5 years ago

    byAndriian S

    fromBeaverton, OR

    Probably a best deal for this price, works good, clear sound, pretty solid overall

  • Great overhead mic .....

    5

    submitted5 years ago

    byE.B. G.

    fromLas Vegas

    Great overhead mic

  • Records wonderfully...great fidelity

    5

    submitted6 years ago

    byMatt

    fromSouthern Oregon

    We recorded my wife playing flute, with this microphone, on an original composition that was selected to be on the GRAMMY ballot

Q&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byDrew

    fromNew Jersey

    Is this mic compatible with Scarlett focusrite interface and studio one software ?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    Yes it is.
    Open Reply - Beau
    This condenser mic would be compatible with the Scarlett focusrite interface and studio one software.

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byrich

    fromSanta rosa ca

    Can this be used for starting a podcasting studio?

    Open Reply - Beau
    This case would work for starting a podcasting studio.

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byPhuzzyphil

    fromSan Bruno CA

    Hi Sorry.....I meant you have a specific phantom power you recommend?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    Any standard phantom power will work.
    Open Reply - Beau
    This microphone would be compatible with any phantom power supply.

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byPhuzzyphil

    fromSan Bruno ca

    Do you have a suggested power phantom source I can get with this mic? A stand to go with it?

    Open Reply - Beau
    This microphone would be compatible with any microphone stand and any phantom power supply. The Sterling Audio PHP1 48V Phantom Power Supply would be a good choice.

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byPhyllis

    fromCA

    What else do I need to order to power this mic?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    Any standard phantom power will work.
    Open Reply - Beau
    This microphone would just need to be connected to a 48 volt phantom power supply.

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byNew to this

    fromBaton Rouge la

    Does this mic require phantom power?

    Open Reply - Beau
    This is a condenser microphone, so it does require phantom power.

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked bySneezelet

    fromFL

    Does this come with a cord to plug in? If so, what type of cord is it? If not, what type of cord connects to it? Or is it wireless?

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    This does not come with a cord and will use a XLR cable

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byTy

    fromstatesville, nc

    is this microphone compatible with toshiba and also is good for recording on podcasts and music software like fl studios

    Open Reply - Beau
    This condenser mic should be compatible with Toshiba as long as it has phantom power. It would work well for recording podcasts and on music software like FL Studio.

  • submitted7 years ago

    asked byguitarmo

    fromundisclosed

    Is this a vocal microphone , or an instrument microphone , or both ? Also need info on a compatible stand for this specific product or is a stand included ?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    It's primarily a vocal mic, but I've used it to mic instruments. the only down side to that is that the mic is super sensitive so you have to tweak the levels a bit more before recording instruments. The mount pictured screws onto the end of any mic stand.

  • submitted7 years ago

    asked by][-Reptilian-][

    fromundisclosed

    Would this microphone be ideal in a live setup with a band?

    Open Reply - Beau
    This is a condenser mic, so it would be best used for recording. It wouldn't be ideal in a live band set up.
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