MXL 990 Review

Condenser Microphone

37,054 reviews
  • 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 30Hzā€“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.

81%
Sound quality
81% of users are satisfied, based on 8,382 reviews
90%
Value for money
90% of users are satisfied, based on 8,382 reviews
83%
For beginners
83% of users are satisfied, based on 5,103 reviews
96%
Quality of material
96% of users are satisfied, based on 1,996 reviews
86%
Sheerness
86% of users are satisfied, based on 1,693 reviews
84%
Durability
84% of users are satisfied, based on 1,595 reviews
Average Rating (37,054 ratings)
90%
Amazon.sg ( 1,995 ratings )
90%
Amazon.com ( 1,906 ratings )
90%
Amazon.com.au ( 1,843 ratings )
90%
Amazon.sa ( 1,811 ratings )
90%
Amazon.ae ( 1,811 ratings )
90%
Amazon.eg ( 1,811 ratings )
90%
Amazon.co.uk ( 1,807 ratings )
88%
Amazon.com.mx ( 1,799 ratings )
92%
Amazon.com.tr ( 1,798 ratings )
90%
Amazon.ca ( 1,797 ratings )
88%
Amazon.com.br ( 1,797 ratings )
90%
Amazon.de ( 1,796 ratings )
90%
Amazon.fr ( 1,796 ratings )
90%
Amazon.it ( 1,795 ratings )
90%
Amazon.co.jp ( 1,795 ratings )
90%
Amazon.es ( 1,794 ratings )
90%
Amazon.in ( 1,790 ratings )
88%
Amazon.nl ( 1,705 ratings )
90%
Amazon.se ( 1,705 ratings )
90%
Amazon.pl ( 1,705 ratings )
90%
Musicians Friend ( 719 ratings )
90%
Amazon.cn ( 153 ratings )
95%
Guitar Center ( 88 ratings )
90%
Reverb ( 17 ratings )
92%
B&H Photo Video ( 12 ratings )
100%
SweetWater ( 8 ratings )
100%
Adorama ( 1 ratings )
20%
Show more

Highlighted Customer Reviews

Showing 41 to 60 of 114 Reviews

Best entry level mic ever

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount

Feb 5, 2011

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.

Amazing mic for the money x3

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount

Dec 30, 2015

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.

GRAB INTRODUCTORY, ONE TIME OFFERS WHEN YOU CAN, & SAVE BIG!

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount

Jun 4, 2013

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!!

WOW!, Great Sounding Surprise!

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount

Mar 17, 2017

Reviewed by GD on Guitar Center

I use the mic for Voice-Over work. Very Clear. I honestly was very pleasantly surprised! It is sensitive, so it will pick up a little more background noise than a "stage" mic, but not bad. The pickup pattern is as expected. Versatile, will give a clean, natural sound to a variety of instruments (from guitar to drums) and voice types. This has to be one of the best values in lower priced, Large Diaphragm, Condenser Mics. It easily compares to mics, twice the price.

MXL 990 and then some

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone

Sep 4, 2021

Reviewed by Michael S. on Reverb

Massively upgraded with this DIY circuit kit https://microphone-parts.com/products/990xf-circuit-kit?variant=39388984737852 and a high-end mic capsule. The result is excellent vs. sibilant voices and jangly acoustic guitars. Works well to record guitar cab and drums alike. Ditto for broadcast, podcast and voiceover, with solid frequency response across the vocal range. The MXL990 is one of the best DIY mic mod platforms to be had.

Ads

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone with Shockmount and Carrying Case (Champaign)
$99.95
B&H Photo Video
MXL 990 Condenser Microphone with Shockmount and Carrying Case (Champaign)
MXL 990 Blizzard LED Condenser Microphone (White)
$99.95
B&H Photo Video
MXL 990 Blizzard LED Condenser Microphone (White)
MXL 990 Blaze LED Condenser Microphone
$99.95
B&H Photo Video
MXL 990 Blaze LED Condenser Microphone
MXL 990 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
$99.95
SweetWater
MXL 990 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
MXL 990 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone with Boom Arm and Pop Filter
$129
SweetWater
MXL 990 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone with Boom Arm and Pop Filter
MXL 990 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone with Boom Arm, Pop Filter, and Microphone Cable
$224.94
SweetWater
MXL 990 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone with Boom Arm, Pop Filter, and Microphone Cable
MXL 990 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone with Boom Stand, Pop Filter, and Microphone Cable
$139.99
SweetWater
MXL 990 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone with Boom Stand, Pop Filter, and Microphone Cable
MXL 990 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone with Boom Stand, Pop Filter, and Microphone Cable
$149
SweetWater
MXL 990 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone with Boom Stand, Pop Filter, and Microphone Cable
MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount
$99.95
Guitar Center
MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount
MXL MXL 990, VMS Vocal Microphone Shield, Stand and Cable Kit
$299.99
Guitar Center
MXL MXL 990, VMS Vocal Microphone Shield, Stand and Cable Kit
MXL Includes 990 microphone, SMP-1 PF/SM & cable
$149.95
Guitar Center
MXL Includes 990 microphone, SMP-1 PF/SM & cable
MXL 990 Blaze Vocal Condenser Microphone with Red LED
$149.95
Adorama
MXL 990 Blaze Vocal Condenser Microphone with Red LED
MXL 990 Complete Microphone Bundle with Integrated Pop Filter and Shockmount Kit
$149.95
Adorama
MXL 990 Complete Microphone Bundle with Integrated Pop Filter and Shockmount Kit
MXL World Renown Condenser Microphone with Shock Mount and Case
$99.95
Adorama
MXL World Renown Condenser Microphone with Shock Mount and Case
MXL 990 Blizzard LED Condenser Microphone, White
$99.95
Adorama
MXL 990 Blizzard LED Condenser Microphone, White
MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount
$99.95
Musicians Friend
MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount
MXL MXL 990, VMS Vocal Microphone Shield, Stand and Cable Kit
$299.99
Musicians Friend
MXL MXL 990, VMS Vocal Microphone Shield, Stand and Cable Kit
MXL Includes 990 microphone, SMP-1 PF/SM & cable
$149.95
Musicians Friend
MXL Includes 990 microphone, SMP-1 PF/SM & cable
MXL 990 Condenser Microphone
$77.98
Reverb
MXL 990 Condenser Microphone
MXL 990 Blizzard Limited Edition Condenser Microphone
$56.7
Reverb
MXL 990 Blizzard Limited Edition Condenser Microphone
MXL 990 Pair
$70
Reverb
MXL 990 Pair
MXL 990 Blaze Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
$149.95
Zzounds
MXL 990 Blaze Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
MXL 990 ES Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone (Champagne)
$79.95
B&H Photo Video
MXL 990 ES Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone (Champagne)

Very impressive clarity

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount

Sep 19, 2016

Reviewed by Guitarslinger on Guitar Center

So far I recorded an acoustic guitar and it really makes it chime or bassy depending on the mike position. Versatile. Liking it so far. I'm going to try vocals next.

Mic is good and powerful.

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount

Dec 15, 2019

Reviewed by Rocknwear on Guitar Center

The mic is good and powerful. The shock mount looks great but is actually kind of cheap. The screw that holds it together broke immediately. Luckily there was another screw on a secondary mounting option that I could use to replace it. Overall still very satisfied with the mic for the price. It's worth it and will do what you need to do for home recording.

Will purchase another one ASAP

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount

Sep 24, 2012

Reviewed by Reverend Robert Johnson on Guitar Center

I've used this mic and the 603 for the past 10-13 years. Dropped my 990 on the metal base of my Microphone Stand and dislodged the Diaphragm. The mic(s) are great and sturdy. It it had landed on the carpet as it has numerous times before,it probably would have survived. I will definitely purchase another one ASAP. "Great MIC,Great Investment"

cheap price, good mic

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount

Jun 27, 2012

Reviewed by Jose Reynaga on Guitar Center

Its a good microphone. it came in the mail less then a week. the sound is just great. i use it for screamed vocals. There are Way better mics out there then this one, but if your on a budget get this mic. you wont regret it

Bang for your Bucks!!

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount

Apr 22, 2016

Reviewed by Middle-Class Promotions on Guitar Center

Couldn't be happier with the quality of this product! I record vocals, electric and acoustic guitar, and percussion with it. Works great!

Great Mic for the price

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount

Jun 20, 2018

Reviewed by Dasindog on Guitar Center

I've been using this Mic for close to 15 years. It's been my go-to for recording just about everything from vocals, to acoustic guitars, drums, violin, banjo, mandolin etc., mainly because it's the only LDC mic I own, because I've never needed anything more. It's durable too. It's been dropped, kicked around and stored in the garage for several years. Still works like it did on day one.

990 condensor mic review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount

Jan 13, 2016

Reviewed by None on Guitar Center

There is no way you can beat this mic for the money that you pay. I would put against an 1000 dollar mic any day.

"Exacly what the doctor ordered"

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount

Jan 11, 2016

Reviewed by Brewman on Guitar Center

The mxl 990 has the specs needed to get my music down. Crisp,& at the same time great sounding mids & lows. Highly suggested.

The mic you need in your collection!

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount

Mar 31, 2020

Reviewed by Killahoe on Guitar Center

I got the blizzard 990 for Christmas a few years ago. I recorded vocals and drums and electric guitar through it. The vocals are really great and crisp. Drums are nice and fat. Guitars growl like monsters . I'd recommend this mic to anyone looking for a decent mic to get started, or even just to own another mic this is the one!

What a Mic!!!

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone with Shockmount and Carrying Case (Champaign) Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone with Shockmount and Carrying Case (Champaign)

Jan 17, 2023

Reviewed by Charles on B&H Photo Video

I thoroughly enjoy this microphones' ability to capture the audio spectrum of my Taylor 414 guitar. The guitars' stock electronics in no way reproduce the sound of this guitar as authentically as will the MXL 990. I know there are more expensive mics but to supersede its' quality of reproduction within the budget of a home studio is nowhere to be found. Thank you AB

Great Microphone!!

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount

Apr 9, 2011

Reviewed by Jonah Krull on Guitar Center

I got this Mic for Christmas 10' and it has not failed me yet! On its own, its phenomenal! But if you add a compressor, EQ, a pop filter, and a good voice, it can sound just like a $2000 microphone! Great Microphone!!

Fantastic mics, especially for their price.

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone with Shockmount and Carrying Case (Champaign) Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone with Shockmount and Carrying Case (Champaign)

Feb 25, 2021

Reviewed by Noah on B&H Photo Video

I don't have much a budget, and these microphones were perfect. They are fantastic for a wide range of things, such as recording bands at extremely loud volumes to recording vocals at an extremely quiet volume. If you don't have much of a budget, these are perfect! Highly recommended, even for professionals.

MXL 990 rocks!

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone

Aug 21, 2018

Reviewed by Peter L. on Reverb

Just recorded mandolin on a laptop, recording software & audio interface (AI). AI software had an option for 48v phantom power. Having a great time šŸ¤˜šŸ» ā€¢ Pro - really captures wide range of warm & dynamic tones. ā€¢ Con & Pro - very sensative. The mic recorded my foot tapping (which using the shock mount remedied : ) Great mic & great price!

Love It

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount

Feb 18, 2013

Reviewed by PATRICK FAY on Guitar Center

Bought this mic for home recording. It sounds so much better than the SM58 I was using. Two Thumbs up!

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount

Oct 11, 2006

Reviewed by CDOG on Guitar Center

The MXL 990 Condenser Microphone is a really decent mic for the money.I own two of them and use them to do some stereo recordings live which worked good, as well as vocals.The sound is warm clear not too much noise.I also record horns and hand drums, stringed instruments all with nice results.

Showing 41 to 60 of 114 Reviews