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 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.

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 61 to 80 of 114 Reviews

Great Body and Mechanicals

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone

Oct 14, 2019

Reviewed by Bob D. on Reverb

I only buy these as donor bodies for modifications. The electronics, capsule and headbasket are discarded. That said, I am very happy with the mechanical construction and machining. They make great platforms for modifications

Works great

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount

Sep 25, 2016

Reviewed by Stew451 on Guitar Center

Bought it to do voice overs. It works fine. Very sensitive, recommend a pop/wind filter.

I would buy this, again.

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount

Apr 22, 2016

Reviewed by Squirt on Guitar Center

Great for recording vocals. Use a pop filter.

Great Microphone, Great Price

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount

Aug 12, 2008

Reviewed by mrdantownsend on Guitar Center

This is really a fantastic mic for the price it's at. I use it at band practice to record the drums, and it picks up with such clarity and definition every hit. Also good for open-mic recordings too. I tried it with piano and vocals as well and it functions fine. Great Microphone.

Great condition and sound

MXL 990 Blizzard Limited Edition Condenser Microphone Review

MXL 990 Blizzard Limited Edition Condenser Microphone

Jul 8, 2020

Reviewed by Kristina K. on Reverb

The microphone works, looks almost like new and sounds great. The sound is incomparably better than the lasts+ mic I had, a USB condenser mic (Blue Snowball). I use it with Focusrite Scarlett Solo.

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)

Used to record and evaluate practice, keeps me honest.

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

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

Dec 20, 2020

Reviewed by Jeremy on B&H Photo Video

Very sensitive. Hardware, eg. spider pivot thumbscrew/nut is soft metal (hardware store replacement). Works great, but won't stand up to much wear and tear. I'd buy another one in a heartbeat, but I'm babying the one I have, and it's been great. Maybe I should pick up a spare?

Great sound recording a church pipe organ and handbells

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount

Aug 15, 2016

Reviewed by Ramjet2001 on Guitar Center

I use them to record performances at our church from handbells to a full orchestra and choir performing The Messiah. Great results.

Excellent Mics for Podcasting and Music

MXL 990 Pair Review

MXL 990 Pair

Jan 16, 2020

Reviewed by Joel S. on Reverb

These mics work extremely well for vocal recording. I used them to record a podcast and vocals for my band. The range of frequencies picked up is well-suited for vocals, and the build quality is excellent.

I would buy this microphone again.

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount

Mar 25, 2022

Reviewed by John on Guitar Center

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.

Way better than expected

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

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

Sep 4, 2020

Reviewed by Beatriz on B&H Photo Video

You get what you pay for. This mic is cheap and reliable. I got it as a third option after my two preferential purchases weren't available. I am in awe of how it sounds. Probably not for the more professional side but if you're looking to start a home studio this bundle is perfect.

Great for money

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount

Oct 11, 2006

Reviewed by KillWill on Guitar Center

This was my first condenser mic and I love it. I use it too record my acoustic tracks. I run it into my Tascam Us-122 Digital Recording Interface and it sounds great. The Tascam has built in Phantom power which helps, too. I get the usual little background noise, but hey, it?s cheap! I like this mic a lot and don?t plan on buying a new one soon.

Best thing I bought this year so far!

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount

Feb 13, 2020

Reviewed by Boogiechile on Guitar Center

Bought to use just for home project studio, I've used it for much more. It has become my go to condenser mic.

WOW

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount

Jan 6, 2020

Reviewed by Figaro on Guitar Center

Man I wanted something to help get some ideas out. Something that wasn't going to be too expensive but decent quality. And I am amazed at how well this Mic has been working. This was by far best investment I have made this year lol 3 days in

Awesome Around House Studio Mic...

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount

Sep 12, 2016

Reviewed by BBock on Guitar Center

Real Nice Quality Mic For What I Paid...On Sale...Better Than I Had Expected...Nice Quality Case...Shock Mount...And Adapters For Any Set Up ...Very Satisfied

Great Buy!

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount

Feb 12, 2008

Reviewed by Satan on Guitar Center

This condenser was the perfect purchase for my recording rig. I didn't want to spend a lot of money, so I purchased this condenser and it is working awesome. Using with a presonus firepod running cubase SX.

Great for the price

MXL 990 ES Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone (Champagne) Review

MXL 990 ES Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone (Champagne)

May 20, 2020

Reviewed by Colin on B&H Photo Video

I've been using the MXL 990es now for vocal tracks and for some voice-over and I'm very impressed by the quality and clarity that the mic is bringing to the recordings. Such a great price too!

غير جيد

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone

Apr 26, 2020

Reviewed by Abdallh Q. on Reverb

عند التسجيل يختفي الصوت فجأة و لا يقوم بتسجيله إنه لا يعمل جيداً

Happy with the deal of the day

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount

Jan 22, 2024

Reviewed by Kim on Guitar Center

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

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount

Jun 2, 2022

Reviewed by Msrk on Guitar Center

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

990

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount Review

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone With Shockmount

Jan 26, 2016

Reviewed by Bob on Guitar Center

Home studio

Showing 61 to 80 of 114 Reviews