MXL 990 Review
Condenser Microphone
- High-quality , yet eminently budget-friendly , FET condenser microphone
- Houses MXL's version of a tried-and-true, German-style transformerless circuit
- Gold-sputtered, 6-micron diaphragm with a fixed cardioid polar pattern
- Delivers a predominantly flat response from 30Hz–20kHz
- Gentle 8kHz presence peak ensures articulate, intelligible vocals without harshness
- Great for vocals, voice-overs, and acoustic instruments
- Comes with a custom shockmount, mic stand adapter, and foam-padded case
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 37,054 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the MXL 990. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the MXL 990. For example, 81% of 8,382 users who have commented on the Sound quality of the MXL 990 have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 21 to 40 of 114 Reviews
Bang For The Buck
MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount
Reviewed by Golden Ear on Guitar Center
This mic has done me nothing but good. I know what you pay for is what you get, but I think this was a bit of a steel. I've owned the MXL 990 for a little over 2 years now and the vocal product of this mic is much richer than 69 bucks. When positioned at a reasonable distant from the vocalist's mouth at the right angle, the MXL 990 performs like a champ. Though there is much higher quality microphones out there, for the price of with the proper placement this mic can turn water into wine.
Pretty good
MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount
Reviewed by KR on Guitar Center
I have a really small budget, so I'm happy to report that this mic does what I need it to do for a price I can afford. It's not top-notch by any means...it sometimes picks up radio stations (very clearly), and it doesn't connect well to the cable I use with it...meaning I have to jimmy it around just right to make my other equipment pick it up. It will also pick up any and all sound in a room - including road noise from outside and trains in the distance...so use it in a well insulated area. BUT, once I figured out its quirks, I have made it work well for my self-released Indie-folk recording. Like others have said, you get what you pay for...but I'm pretty pleased with it for the most part. ... More
MXL 990 Blizzard Limited Edition Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Scott S. on Reverb
It's OK. I tested it out recording an acoustic guitar and a shaker thru a Focusrite Scarlett interface pre to Logic Pro. About what I would expect at this price point and a simple setup as this. I really like the internal blue LED's feature not only from a novelty standpoint but also as a indication that the phantom voltage is activated. Now for disclosure - I have an older MXL 990 I purchased several years ago that I modded and upgraded with a higher quality Austrian built capsule and Schoeps circuit with discreet components and it has now been one of my favorite go to condensers. Since I acquired this one from the manufacturer at a B-Stock price thru Reverb.com I will be doing a similar upgrade with this unit. That said if you just need a simple home recording condenser without all the character of an expensive mic then this mic should fit the bill. ... More
Great Condenser Mic
MXL 990 Condenser Microphone with Shockmount and Carrying Case (Champaign)
Reviewed by Michael on B&H Photo Video
You will not regret spending just about $75.00 on this "budget" condenser microphone. It's great for vocals and voiceovers. Yes, the noise level (at about 20db) is slightly worse than in a comparable Rode mics but (especially if you are recording vocals to music) this noise is negligible and will not affect your recording. It captures 30 to 20000 hz (humans can hear in the range of 20 to 20000). In the real recording world, you will probably not care that much for any sounds below 80hz thus this mic does what $1K mics do without breaking your bank. Highly recommended and get it from B&H - best price, best customer service and people you can trust. ... More
Hot little mike
MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount
Reviewed by Gary Reiter on Guitar Center
Decided to get the MXL990 with the shockmount rather than the MXL990/991 kit b/c I usually don't mike the guitar anyway when recording... reviews were good. Packaging, look & feel are great. No instructions for mounting shockmount but it's already assembled. Also comes with clip for mounting w/o shockmount. Tested live through my Fender powered mixer and it's sound quality is much clearer than the decent dynamic mikes I own but, being a condenser mike, it's too hot for the size of my practice space so I'll keep the dynamic mikes for rehearsal and stage. One other thing: It came with 2 elastic bands in a little bag, so I sent an email to MXL tech support to confirm that these are just spares. (They are.) They answered me within the hour! ... More
Ads
Nice Mic. but be careful
MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount
Reviewed by Haazy on Guitar Center
I do a good bit of Home Recording & was instantly impressed with this mic. My first foray into a decent & reasonably priced condenser Mic. It worked very well for me the first year, but just died out on me after that. As far as I know it was never dropped.
Very good Mic
MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount
Reviewed by John Worsham on Guitar Center
Just got this microphone in last night. Hooked it up and it blew me away. The clearness of the mic is absolutely beutiful. Our band practices in a bedroom that can barely fit all the members and there equipment. When we played it picked up absolutely ZERO background noise. Very surprising considering im standing within arms reach of the bass and guitar amps. I would suggest to all that dont want to spend to much money on a quality mic to buy this one. It does the job that many mics costing 100's more would do. Very good buy. Try it you will be satisfied 100%. Also I got the package with the directional mic as well. The directional is exceptional. I use it for my tabla work. Picks up the drums so clear and perfect. Great deal. Take a look at the combo package. ... More
Good beginner mic
MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount
Reviewed by KotyKillem on Guitar Center
I am a singer/ rapper and I got this mic as a gift about a year ago and have been using it in all my recorded songs since, (just haven't upgraded yet). This mic has really good gain, adds body to thin vocals, and a fairly clear sound to it. However, I have a grainy sounding voice naturally and this mic REALLY makes that show after the mix. Also this mic hisses when you say words with "S's" in them. Overall, if you are a beginner on a tight budget for your home studio, I would recommend this as it is affordable and has a great sound to it! ... More
Amazing quality for the price!
MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount
Reviewed by JMack on Guitar Center
I was quite shocked at the overall sound quality not to mention the quality of the mic's housing itself. I originally purchased this as a cheap temporary replacement for my AKG C2000, and this thing is about the same if not better quality! Definitely a GREAT buy for someone just getting started or in need of a quick back up studio mic!
What a MIC
MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount
Reviewed by Onna A on Guitar Center
I love this mic..it picks up a whisper to a scream. *not that I scream, LOL I like that it comes in a protective case too. Great value for a good price
Money well spent
MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount
Reviewed by James Maxwell on Guitar Center
I'm an associate pastor of a new growing church in North Alabama. I am setting up our music and stage equipment on a very tight budget. After all the reviews I kept going back to this mic. I'm so glad I did!! Took it to church and plugged into our Yamaha mixer and plugged in my guitar and was amazed by the sound of this mic. I had my own solo concert. It has nice highs and smooth low tones. I will be purchasing a couple of these MXL 990 for my own use. Get you one I'm glad I did! ... More
Sweet Sounds
MXL 990 ES Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone (Champagne)
Reviewed by Christopher on B&H Photo Video
The MXL 990ES Midnight certainly has its sweet spot as a vocal microphone. It has silky sweet highs and picks up a great vocal whether singing or speaking. This stylish mic looks great in a recording session, it is definitely nice to have a bit of color in a studio or recording venue. I gave this mic 5 stars because of the good quality and has far exceeded my expectations of a mic for the price. B&H certainly is the place to shop. Thank You B&H!
A mic at a low price that will get the job done
MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount
Reviewed by Fuzzball on Guitar Center
I have 3 of these mics, and I have used them many times. I found that they work well to mic a guitar cab with. They also work pretty well for drum overheads. I found that this mic is best used as a vocal mic. It is built solid and it sounds good with a decent mic pre amp. If you are on a budget and you are in need of an all around projet studio mic this may be exactualy what you need.
Great mic for the money!
MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount
Reviewed by Kjwheels on Guitar Center
I've bought it to be able to produce better recordings of my work in home studio. It had been a major upgrade from using stage mics. Sound is clear and sensitivity seems very good. I'm sure there are better mics if you spend more but for home recording this mic is great. I have used it in practice sessions and it sounds awesome with two vocalists a guitar. I have yet to try it at a live performance yet.
I didn't know but now I do
MXL 990 Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Tabitha S. on Reverb
Apparently I guess this microphone was already a known budget hit before i knew about it. I get it now, it sounds very good recording guitars into my Onyx Blackjack Interface. :) I'd definitely recommend this Mic to anyone who would like a nice quality sound on a budget. (Note: make sure you have a means of supplying Phantom Power and a MXR to MXR cable, if one side of the cable is connected to a 1/4 inch adapter the Phantom Power won't be supplied to the Microphone) Other than that, record away- this is a nice little Microphone. :)
GRAB INTRODUCTORY, ONE TIME OFFERS WHEN YOU CAN, & SAVE BIG!
MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount
Reviewed by MICHAEL BROWN on Guitar Center
I have owned several of these and for the price they can't be beat! Make sure and take advantage of Guitar Center's special offers such as when I bought my last one. BECAUSE WHEN THE OFFER IS GONE, WELL, IT'S GONE! I always must give a shout out to my Little Rock store they have a super friendly, knowledgeable and the staff rocks!! ALWAYS A PLEASURE WORKING WITH YOU GUYS!!
for the kid startin out
MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount
Reviewed by pace on Guitar Center
I remember before I bought this mic, about 3 years ago, I read a review from someone that works for Adult Swim, stating that they actually use this mic for cartoon vocals(!) I'm not surprised, after all it is decent... ESPECIALLY FOR THE PRICE. If you're scrapin for cash and want a studio mic, this'll do BUT make sure you have an ANALOG mixer of some sort to provide the phantom power... plus, it picks up all sorts of external noises so keep it away from the computer, and if you have time and resources BUILD A VOCAL BOOTH
Great Mic , especialy for the price
MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount
Reviewed by Helix Studios on Guitar Center
Great mic for the price...sounds favorable against my more expensive mic,,,Neumann , AKC, etc...Id say about 80 - 90 % close to the other mics at a fraction of the cost.. Only bad point is it's electronics are surface mounted making it not mod friendly
Amazing mic for the money x3
MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount
Reviewed by Airhambone on Guitar Center
You simply cannot beat the value of this mic. Not a high end mic, but very usable for just about any home studio. I am very pleased with the mic and will check out MXL for more deals. Guitar center has great service too.
Best entry level mic ever
MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount
Reviewed by Eric on Guitar Center
Got this in a set with a 991(?) and was simply astounded. Of course it doesn't sound like a $3000 mic, but it sounds better than some $1000 mics I've heard. If you record with it, isolate the room, because it picks up EVERYTHING. If you're looking to upgrade to a good studio quality mic, this is the one.
