MXL990

If you want to acquire a studio microphone without breaking the bank , why not opt ​​for a model adorned with the MXL logo? This brand is renowned for its quality microphones sold at affordable prices . In this article, we will focus on the MXL 990. Here is the complete review of this large diaphragm condenser microphone.

Focus on the MXL brand

Before diving completely into the MXL 990 review, let's take a look at what brand it is. This company is certainly not the best known when it comes to microphone design . In any case, in terms of popularity, it is still far from the market behemoths, to name only Telefunken and Neumann.

However, getting an MXL microphone will give you an undeniable advantage: the price. Indeed, this brand offers audiophiles models of microphones adapted to those whose budget is limited. You can equip your home studio with an MXL microphone for less than 300 euros . You can even acquire two with this amount.

But that's not all ! Although MXL brand microphones are cheaper, that doesn't mean the quality isn't there. Think again ! Its models generally offer a good price-performance ratio .

MXL offers professionals and amateurs several types of microphones. These include USB microphones, dynamic microphones, and electrostatic or condenser microphones. It is precisely a microphone belonging to this last category which is the subject of our test: the MXL 990.

Let’s see what this mic offers in terms of design quality and sound quality . We will also detail its technical characteristics. And to finish this test, we will also give you our opinion on this microphone .

MXL 990 Microphone Overview

The MXL 990 belongs to the family of condenser microphones just like the Neumann M147 , the Sony C80, the SE Electronics sE 2200a II and the Warm Audio WA-47F. The operation of this type of microphone is different from that of dynamic microphones. In fact, the latter use a moving coil attached to a membrane to generate electric current.

Inside a condenser microphone (or condenser microphone ), we find a condenser and a diaphragm. The latter consists of two parts separated by a space: a fixed part and a conductive layer. To respond to the vibrations generated by the sound pressure, these two armatures will move away from or towards each other to create an electrical voltage .

As for the capacitor, this component is involved in transforming the charge into an electrical signal . This will then be transmitted to the preamp or sound card.

Note that unlike USB microphones like the Rode NT-USB and the Blue Yeti, condenser microphones do not plug directly into a computer. So, to operate the MXL 990, you will need an external power supply (a phantom power supply). Furthermore, you also need to use an XLR cable to connect it to your mixer.

Compared to dynamic microphones, condenser microphones are more fragile. However, condenser microphones have the advantage of , more precise and more detailed sound And the 990 from MXL is no exception to this rule. We will see in more detail a little further down what this model offers us in terms of sound reproduction.

Like the MXL 770 , the MXL 990 is capable of capturing frequencies between 30 Hz and 20,000 Hz . Thanks to its flat frequency response, this microphone can adapt to a wide variety of sources such as bass guitars, acoustic guitars, pianos or even male and female voices.

Its signal-to-noise ratio is 80 dB . This is the ratio between the maximum level that the microphone can accept and its background noise.

Its SPL amounts to 130 dB . This is the maximum sound pressure level that the microphone can withstand without risk of saturation or degradation of its membrane. This means that you won't face any distortion issues if you use this mic for vocals or acoustic instrument recordings .

However, this microphone could distort the sound if you put it in front of a source that is too powerful like a guitar amplifier. It is therefore not recommended to use this model to record an electric guitar for rock. For this use, it is more judicious to opt for a microphone offering a higher SPL.

What about the 990 accessories? The microphone is delivered in a transport box in which we also find a shockproof suspension. This accessory is designed to help the microphone floor vibrations handling noise during studio recordings.

Besides the elastic suspension, MXL also includes a mic clip in the padded case. Added to this is a 5/8 to 3/8 inch thread adapter.

The build quality of the MXL 990 microphone

MXL 990 benefits from good manufacturing quality despite being an economical solution. It has a well-built design that is nothing like cheap microphones.

This model has an attractive look with its champagne finish. In terms of design, it tickles high-end microphones . It can beautify any recording studio.

Its housing and grille are entirely made of metal. With its 470 g, it seems rather robust.

Printed in fiberglass, its circuit embeds discrete components including an FET preamp . It has a transformerless output stage, which guarantees a clean level of background noise . It does not have an on/off switch, an attenuation pad, or a low-cut filter.

Areas of application for the MXL 990

The MXL 990 is designed to record vocals as well as some musical instruments . Here are some examples of use of this microphone:

• Voice off
• Acoustic instruments: guitar, piano, flute, percussion, etc.
• Gaming
• Streaming
• Podcasting
• Discussions on Zoom or Skype

You can also use this microphone to record stereo sounds . Since it is a condenser microphone with a cardioid polar pattern , you can use it to implement the Mid/Side (MS) recording technique .

However, you will need a microphone with bidirectional directionality (figure 8) when recording MS. The majority of ribbon microphones display this type of directivity. Among the best microphone models in this category, we can cite in particular the MXL R144 microphone , the Beyerdynamic M130 and the Beyerdynamic M160.

This large diaphragm electrostatic microphone is therefore versatile. However, it is not suitable for stage use. This is a model intended for home studio sound recording.

If you are looking for a microphone to use live dynamic microphone instead . To avoid unpleasant surprises, remember to favor reliable models like the Behringer XM8500 , the Sennheiser E835 or the AKG D5.

Zoom on the sound quality of the MXL 990

The MXL 990 benefits from excellent sound quality . Its FET preamp and large diaphragm give it a professional sound.

Its FET preamp is involved in particular in modifying and cleaning the sound signal . Thanks to this device, which is also found in the MXL 770, this microphone delivers a balanced sound overall.

Another particularity which influences the sound reproduction of this condenser microphone: its cardioid directivity . Thanks to this polar pattern, this microphone only picks up sounds in front of it . This means that it rejects sound sources coming from the rear. The sound level from sources on the sides, however, is greatly reduced.

So, when recording, do not fail to take into consideration this difference in microphone sensitivity depending on the position of the source.

Given that we are facing a large diaphragm condenser microphone , the proximity effect is very present. The closer you speak or sing to the microphone, the more the low frequencies will amplify. To attenuate bass sounds , simply move away from them a little when recording vocals.

To effectively isolate unwanted vibrations , be sure to install the elastic suspension that comes with the microphone. Thanks to this device, the sound reproduction is significantly better.

Furthermore, to eliminate plosives , it would be best to also use a pop filter. In addition, this accessory also allows you to avoid premature wear of the device . Indeed, in addition to its role in optimizing sound quality, an anti-pop filter also protects the microphone capsule against humidity.

This condenser mic handles acoustic instruments effectively. It will certainly appeal to guitarists who want a detailed sound . It faithfully reproduces the sound of an acoustic guitar.

When it comes to recording electric guitars, your best bet would be to opt for a dynamic mic like the Sennheiser E609 . Featuring a supercardioid polar pattern , this moving coil model is designed specifically for recording an electric guitar.

What's more, you will no longer need to invest in a microphone stand by purchasing this microphone from Sennheiser. In fact, it has a flat shape, which allows you to easily install it near a guitar amp.

Another area in which the MXL 990 delivers a good performance: voice recording (singing and voice-over). Whether on male or female voices, this model displays impressive performance . In particular, we can notice a natural reproduction of treble and midrange.

The technical characteristics of the MXL 990

• Mic Type : Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone (22mm)
• Polar pattern: cardioid
• Frequency response: 30 Hz to 20 kHz
• Sensitivity: 10 mV/Pa
• Impedance: 200 Ohms
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 80 dB
• Maximum SPL: 134 dB (0.5% THD)
• Equivalent noise level: 20 dB
• Power requirements: 48V phantom power (±4V)
• Dimensions: 60mm x 132mm
• Weight: 470g
• Accessories included: carrying case, shock mount, microphone clip

Our opinion on the MXL 990 microphone

It seems important to us to point out: it is quite rare to find a condenser microphone as efficient as the MXL 990 in this price range. Although its price is within the reach of all amateur musicians and producers, the sound quality is indeed there with this model.

Obviously, you shouldn't expect a sound similar to that of a model costing more than 1000 euros from Neumann either. However, for daily use in a home studio, this MXL model can do the trick.

Whether for vocal recording or capturing acoustic instruments, this inexpensive microphone offers decent sound reproduction. In particular, it offers clear and precise restitution. Thanks to its large diaphragm, this studio microphone is able to produce rich sound.

The other advantage of this MXL microphone lies in its shockproof suspension which is practical for optimizing the quality of recordings. Therefore, it is no longer necessary to invest in this type of device.

The only downside is that the MXL 990, unlike the MXL 770, does not have a low-cut filter. A switch intended to reduce the impact of low frequencies below a preset level. However, you can always improve the results of your recordings in post-production.

To summarize our opinion on the MXL 990, here is a summary of its advantages and disadvantages:

Most :

• Price accessible to the general public
• Natural, clear and precise sound
• Convenient shock mount
• Faithful reproduction of voice and acoustic guitar
• Excellent design quality

Most :

• No low-cut filter

Our Verdict on the MXL 990: We recommend this large diaphragm condenser microphone to all audiophiles. This is the model to choose if you want to equip your studio with a quality device without breaking the bank.

MXL 990 Demo

Special Offer at MXL 🔥