Before this MXL 990 condenser microphone, it was unheard of for a studio vocal mic to cost less than $110.
This MXL 990 condenser microphone has surprised users and even the manufacturers themselves with how well it performs.
On Amazon, it is currently going for $109.99 which is very affordable. Let’s learn more about the MXL 990 condenser microphone in this MXL 990 condenser mic review.
Review Contents
Basic Features
- Dimensions: 5.11 x 2.36 x 1.00 inches
- Types: Pressure Gradient Condenser Microphones
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Sensitivity: 15mV/Pa
- Diaphragm: 6 Micron Gold-Sputtered
- Frequency Response: 30Hz~20kHz
- Impedance: 200 Ohm
- Equivalent Noise Level: 20dB
- SNR: 80dB
- Max SPL for 0.5% THD: 130dB
- Power Requirements: 48V Phantom Power (+/-4V)
- Current Consumption: Less than 3mA
- Metal Finish: Champagne
- Dimensions: 2.36 x 5.11″
- Weight: 1.2 lb
- Accessories Included: MXL 90 Shockmount, MXL MT-001 Hard Mount Mic Stand Adapter, Rugged Carry Case

People also ask:
Is MXL 990 good for vocals?
MXL 990 can be a standard choice when recording guitars, whether as a close mic or as a room mic.
They’re the standard for vocals, acoustic instruments, drum overheads, room mics, or anything you’d like! The MXL 990 is an ultra-affordable large-diaphragm FET condenser.
It may not be able to capture the lows as well with its 30 Hz drop-off, it can be a solid choice when trying to add some brightness and depth.
It is the best rapping microphones in the budget category.MXL 990 requires phantom power to operate in any environment.
Hence, MXL 990 is standard for vocals.
What is the MXL 990 used for?
It is used for professional recording session. MXL microphone features a FET pre amp and contains a well-balanced output. Phantom powered, so its power is delivered through the cables.
This microphone is bright, silky, and capable of much more than one would expect from a cheap microphone in this price range.
-MXL 990 is a budget microphone.
-Bright, present sound.
-Extremely affordable.
-Great for vocalists.
Cardioid condenser microphone with a frequency response of 30 Hz – 20 kHz. It is great choice for most mid range instruments, especially vocalists who are looking to get a bit more presence from their performance.
Does MXL 990 need phantom power?
Yes, MXL 990 need phantom power. MXL 990 requires phantom power to operate in any environment. MXL 990 for used as main podcasting microphone.
MXL 990 is XLR mic and requires phantom power to work. This means it has to be connected to a phantom power capable recording device. It also needs a decent mount since it’s not the lightest.So, it should be connected via an XLR cable (available separately) to a mixing board, a microphone preamp, or an audio interface that can send +48V phantom power.
Performance
When it comes to microphones, one needs to be extremely careful, if not, you will end up with a piece of junk with poor range and extremely terrible sound quality. This is however not a problem when you have this MXL 990 condenser microphone. It has a ¾” gold-sputtered diaphragm that ensures it produces a very professional sound.
Last update on 2023-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Whether one can sing or not, we all enjoy a tune or two from time to time. Just because you’re not all blessed with a good singing voice doesn’t mean you wouldn’t appreciate a microphone that would make you sound just a little bit better. The MXL 990 microphone has an amazing frequency response that gives your voice a thick rounded voice and makes it crisp while reducing the sharpness and nasal sound.
You can also check out JBL EON ONE Compact
When recording, it is important to make sure that whatever you are recording can be heard clearly. This, therefore, means that you do not need interference from any background noises that may mess with the quality of your recording. Luckily, the MXL 990 condenser microphone with shockmount has a fixed cardioid pickup pattern that eliminates any background noises and only concentrates on picking up the voice right in front of it. This however should not be your only guarantee. Since the mic is extremely sensitive, it may pick up other noises if you’re in an extremely noisy environment so make sure you are not recording any sharp noises.
Every time we are using a microphone, we hope that everything we say will be captured exactly as we say it. However, there are some things we cannot change such as the sharpness of sound when we pronounce some letters such as ‘b’ and ‘t’. We can however be able to control how the microphone sounds when you say them. When you use the MXL 990 mic, you are advised to use a pop filter which will make sure that you’re a safe distance away from the microphone hence reducing the explosiveness of pronunciation.
There is a very misguided notion that expensive means quality. This is the misguided idea that just because something is expensive, then it must be good. This is not always the case as with the MXL 990 condenser microphone. It costs below $100 and performs a lot better than most of the other expensive ones. Unless you’re a real audiophile, you’d easily confuse it with the higher priced microphones.
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MXL 990 vs 770
These two microphones have sparked quite the debate among users and most cannot decide which of the two they should purchase. Let’s look at a comparison;
Differences;
- The 770 has a lower signal to noise ratio
- MXL990 has a lower maximum sound pressure level
Similarities;
- The same equivalent noise
- Equal frequency response
- Similar sensitivity
- The same tube type
What is Good about the MXL 990?
- Amazing sound quality
- It is very affordable
What is Bad about it?
- It is extremely sensitive and can pick the tiniest sound.
What is my Opinion?
I have come across numerous MXL 990 condenser microphone reviews and they all agree that this microphone is the best there is considering how affordable it is and how well it performs.
- DELIVERS FULL-BODIED...
- CAPTURES CLEAR...
- PERFECT FOR VOCAL...
- OFFERS VERSATILITY -...
- INCLUDES - MXL 990...
Last update on 2023-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
From my MXL 990 review, I agree that it is worth buying.
The Most Frequently Asked Questions:
Is the MXL 990 good for rapping?
The MXL 990 is perfect for rapping and acoustic instruments. It has frequency response between 30 Hz and 20,000 Hz.
It discovered that it makes your voice sound warmer without mudding vocals. The sensitivity on offer is also great.
The MXL 990 Is an ultra-affordable large-diaphragm FET condenser. It’s traditional in appearance, with looks seemingly inspired by legendary German designs of the past and present.
It can be listed as a budget buy for rapping. In this price range, it’s an amazing buy.
How good is the MXL 990?
The MXL 990 can be a standard choice when recording guitars, whether as a close mic or as a room mic. Engineers favor condenser mics for their detailed and nuanced capture of a sound source.
They’re the standard for vocals, acoustic instruments, drum overheads, room mics, or anything you’d like! MXL 990 is up next on our list of the best rapping microphones in the budget category. MXL 990 is good for rapping.
The most important thing is it fulfills all the requirements in the budget.
Where are MXL mics made?
Mainly MXL’s headquarters, research and development center, and production operations are located within the Marshall Electronics facility in Torrance, California.
MXL manufacturing facilities are established in the US, China, Japan, Korea, and Russia. MXL mics are made in China.
What is large diaphragm condenser microphone?
When we talk about a large diaphragm condenser it is the part of the microphone. They make sound sources appear bigger, more engaging, more beautiful, and more adorable.
Its function is to pick air pressure vibrations generated by traveling sound waves and convert them into an electric signal. Large condenser membranes can sense even the smallest nuances. Because of the larger generated electric signal, it can deliver better results when recording vocals or solo instruments.
Some of its features are as follows:-
·It widens the frequency response at lower frequencies.
·It reduces de proximity effect.
·Depending on the preamplifier or audio interface used, they produce a warm unique sound that is soothing.
·Sound is made versatile in the studio.
MXL 990 Condenser Microphone

Before this MXL 990 condenser microphone, it was unheard of for a studio vocal mic to cost less than $110. This MXL 990 condenser microphone has surprised users
Product Brand: MXL
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 110
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.6
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