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Are you looking for an exceptional condenser microphone that won’t break the bank? Look no further than the MXL 990.
A symbol of quality and affordability, this microphone has been the go-to choice for many producers and musicians alike. With its impressive sound quality, cardioid polar pattern, and specs like a frequency response of 30 Hz to 20 kHz, maximum SPL of 130 dB, sensitivity of 15 mV/Pa, and impedance of 200 ohms, you can trust that this microphone will deliver.
Read on to learn more about the MXL 990 and why it could be the perfect fit for you.
Key Takeaways
- MXL 990 is a budget condenser microphone highly regarded for its performance compared to competitors.
- MXL 990 is ideal for recording vocals in the studio, adding presence and character with a slight boost around 8 kHz and balancing out bass frequencies through proximity effects.
- MXL 990 may not be suitable for live settings due to its sensitivity and max SPL limitations, and other microphone options should be considered for louder sound sources.
- MXL 990 is a great budget condenser microphone, with alternatives like MXL 770 and Audio-Technica AT2020 offering different sound characteristics and versatility.
Performance
You’ll be impressed with the MXL 990’s performance. It’s a budget condenser microphone that offers great sound quality compared to its competitors.
With a cardioid polar pattern, frequency response of 30 Hz to 20 kHz, maximum SPL of 130 dB, sensitivity of 15 mV/Pa, and impedance of 200 ohms, it’s suitable for recording vocals in the studio.
It adds presence and character to vocals with a slight boost around 8 kHz, making it a great choice for recording quality.
The MXL 990 is a good performance comparison to other microphones, as it’s highly regarded for its budget-friendly price.
Studio Use
For studio use, the MXL 990 is an ideal choice for recording vocals. Its cardioid polar pattern helps capture the sound of a vocalist without unwanted external noise. Its frequency response of 30 Hz to 20 kHz is wide enough to capture the entire range of a vocalist’s performance. Its slight high-end boost and proximity effects can add presence and character to vocals.
Microphone placement in the studio is also critical to achieving great results. It’s best to place the microphone directly in front of the vocalist, slightly off-axis to reduce the sound of plosives. This can be adjusted to taste depending on vocal recording techniques.
In addition, the MXL 990 can also be used as an overhead microphone for drums and as a room microphone for guitar amps.
Live Use
Can the MXL 990 be used for live performances?
While the MXL 990 is a great condenser microphone for recording, its sensitivity and maximum SPL aren’t suited for live performances. Some mellowed-out acoustic sets could work, but louder sound sources should be recorded with another microphone.
The MXL 990 isn’t recommended for bass cabinets in a live setting, as its frequency response isn’t designed for this purpose. For better results, look for a more robust microphone that can handle louder sound sources and heavy bass frequencies.
Alternatives
If you’re looking for an alternative to the MXL 990, the MXL 770 is a viable choice with a more exaggerated high-end boost.
Audio-Technica’s AT2020 is another popular budget option, providing a warmer and richer sound. It’s considered more versatile than the MXL 990 and is a great choice for beginners.
For a higher-end alternative, consider options from Shure, Electro-Voice, Neumann, and AKG.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and use case; some microphones may work better for certain applications than others.
Consider what you need from a microphone and shop around for options that fit your budget and fulfill your requirements.
Comparison
When comparing the MXL 990 to other microphones, it’s important to take personal preferences and specific use cases into account.
The MXL 990 is a great budget condenser microphone. The MXL 770 is a viable alternative with a more exaggerated high-end boost. Audio-Technica’s AT2020 is warmer and richer-sounding than the MXL 990, but the AT2020 is considered more versatile, especially for beginners.
In terms of sound quality comparison, the MXL 990 adds presence and character to vocals with a slight boost around 8 kHz. The AT2020 offers a warmer, richer sound compared to the MXL 990.
Pricing-wise, the MXL 990 is more affordable than most other condenser microphones. The MXL 770 is slightly cheaper and the AT2020 is slightly more expensive.
Expertise
Having extensive experience in the industry, the reviewer is well-versed in equipment from brands like Shure, Electro-Voice, Neumann, and AKG.
With over 10 years of studio and live production experience, they have a great understanding of microphone preferences and recording techniques. They have tested out a variety of microphones and can offer insight into which is best for specific use cases.
The reviewer has the depth of knowledge to provide an informed opinion on the MXL 990, as well as its competitors’ performance.
Ultimately, they can provide valuable advice on which microphone is right for you based on your individual needs.
Summary
Overall, the MXL 990 is an excellent budget condenser microphone for recording vocals and other sources in the studio. It offers great performance for its price, with a cardioid polar pattern, frequency response of 30 Hz to 20 kHz, sensitivity of 15 mV/Pa, and maximum SPL of 130 dB.
Its sound is characterized by a slight boost around 8kHz, providing presence and character to vocals. It can also be used as an overhead microphone for drums, but isn’t suitable for live sound due to its sensitivity and max SPL limitations.
Pros and cons aside, the MXL 990 is a great choice for studios on a budget, earning it an overall rating of 8/10.
Conclusion
The MXL 990 is an impressive condenser microphone that delivers great performance in both studio and live settings. With a frequency response of 30 Hz to 20 kHz, maximum SPL of 130 dB, sensitivity of 15 mV/Pa, and impedance of 200 ohms, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable microphone.
Our expert reviewer has tested the MXL 990 and can confirm that it’s an excellent microphone for anyone, from beginners to professionals.
So if you’re looking for a great condenser microphone, the MXL 990 is definitely worth considering.
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