Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (4)
$114.99
Amazon
4.5 (186)
Used
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$89.99 New
$30.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (7)
$149.95
B&H
4.2 (10)
$99.00

Average Price: $105

Standard/Professional

$100

$401+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "MXL 550/551 Condenser Microphones". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your home studio recordings with the versatile MXL 550/551 Condenser Microphone ensemble. This dynamic duo is perfect for singer-songwriters and recording enthusiasts alike, offering both a large diaphragm 550 mic for capturing the rich, detailed nuances of vocals and a 551 pencil condenser for highlighting the crisp resonance of acoustic instruments. The internal wiring with Mogami ensures pristine audio fidelity, allowing you to capture every note and nuance with impeccable clarity.

The MXL 550 brings a bold, studio-quality character to your vocal tracks, while its cardioid pattern expertly isolates the performance, minimizing room noise. The 551, on the other hand, excels in reproducing the fast transients of percussive sounds, making it an excellent choice for cymbals and stringed instruments. Both microphones boast a robust FET architecture, ensuring quiet operation and reducing ambient noise interference, so your recordings sound as professional as possible.

Whether you're laying down tracks for your next album or simply exploring new musical horizons, the MXL 550/551 mic set is designed to adapt and deliver. With an included foam-padded hardshell case and mic stand adapters, these microphones are as ready to travel with you to gigs as they are to deliver in your home studio.

Key Features:

  • Matching condenser mic two-pack for versatile recording
  • Large diaphragm 550 for vibrant vocal capture
  • 551 pencil condenser for fast transient response
  • Quiet FET architecture for noise-free operation
  • Full 30Hz–20kHz frequency range
  • Impressive SPL handling: 130dB (MXL 550) and 137dB (MXL 551)
  • Includes foam-padded hardshell case and mic stand adapters

Product specs

Number of Microphones 2
Included Models 1 x MXL 550, 1 x MXL 551R
Microphone Type Pressure Gradient Condenser
Polar Pattern Cardioid
Max SPL 130dB SPL (550), 137dB SPL (551R)
Power Source 48V phantom power

FAQs

What is the primary application for the MXL 550/551 condenser microphones?

The MXL 550/551 microphone kit is designed for studio recording, offering a versatile solution for capturing vocals and instruments with clarity.

What polar pattern do the MXL 550 and 551 microphones use?

Both the MXL 550 and 551 microphones feature a cardioid polar pattern, which is ideal for isolating the sound source and minimizing background noise.

Do the MXL 550/551 microphones require phantom power?

Yes, both microphones in the MXL 550/551 kit require 48V phantom power to operate.

What is the maximum SPL for the MXL 550 and 551 microphones?

The MXL 550 has a maximum SPL of 130dB, while the MXL 551R can handle up to 137dB SPL, making them suitable for a variety of recording situations.

Are the MXL 550/551 microphones suitable for home studio use?

Yes, the MXL 550/551 microphone kit is well-suited for home studio applications, providing quality sound capture for both vocals and instruments.

RecordingStudio9.com

RecordingStudio9.com

MXL 550/551 Microphone Kit/Set Review

Video thumbnail for MXL 550/551 Microphone Kit/Set Review by RecordingStudio9.com

MXL 550/551 Microphone Kit/Set Review

RecordingStudio9.com

RecordingStudio9.com

Video thumbnail for MXL 550/551 Unboxing and MXL 551 Demo by markoanddavid

MXL 550/551 Unboxing and MXL 551 Demo

markoanddavid

markoanddavid

Video thumbnail for MXL 550 and 551 mic demo by jake smith

MXL 550 and 551 mic demo

jake smith

jake smith

Video thumbnail for MXL 550 and MXL 551 Microphone Review / Test (is this inexpensive condenser kit any good?) by Audio Hotline

MXL 550 and MXL 551 Microphone Review / Test (is this inexpensive condenser kit any good?)

Audio Hotline

Audio Hotline

Video thumbnail for MXL 550 and 551 mic unboxing and audio test by jake smith

MXL 550 and 551 mic unboxing and audio test

jake smith

jake smith

Video thumbnail for MXL 550/551 Budget Condenser MICROPHONE Bundle by Stamatis Stabos

MXL 550/551 Budget Condenser MICROPHONE Bundle

Stamatis Stabos

Stamatis Stabos

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent value for the price

  • Versatile, suitable for vocals, guitars, drums, and various instruments

  • Provides clear, bright sound with minimal EQ needed

  • Attractive design with durable build

  • Comes with holders and a good storage case

  • Great for both music production and YouTube videos

  • Ideal for beginner and intermediate recording setups

CONS

  • Slight high-mid boost may require adjustment

  • Lacks shock mount setup

  • Might not satisfy those seeking high-end microphone qualities

  • Requires careful placement and gain adjustment for optimal sound

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MXL 550/551 Condenser Microphones.

Use cases and applications

  • The MXL 550 delivers a gritty character that surprisingly suits upright bass, enhancing midrange presence without needing a super smooth mic.

    Source
  • High SPL environments like drum miking mitigate the noise floor issue, making the MXL 550/551 suitable for such applications.

    Source
  • The MXL 551 is considered decent for stereo mic techniques and has been used successfully on acoustic guitars and wind instruments.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • For $40, it's a decent deal, but the MXL 550 is $69 new on Amazon. Spending slightly more on an MXL 770 could offer better value.

    Source
  • Owners emphasize that while the MXL 550/551 set is affordable, investing slightly more in mics like the SM57/58 offers better sound and resell value.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners have found the MXL 550/551 unexpectedly useful, even winning mic shootouts over more expensive models in certain scenarios.

    Source
  • Users note that the MXL 550 can sound harsh and tinny, making it less forgiving for beginners without mic technique experience.

    Source

Comparisons

  • A user preferred two MXL 551s over the MXL 550 for stereo applications, suggesting more value in the smaller diaphragm mics.

    Source
  • The Sennheiser e609, though retailing at $110, can provide better sound at distances of 2.5-3.5 feet, offering an alternative for certain applications.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 17 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
ebowglow

Nice set of inexpensive mics.

I wasn't sure about this set of MXL550/551 when i first got it. But I admit they have grown on me. They're pretty good at micing acoustic guitars, cellos, and violins. And I've even used them on vocals a couple of times. They seem to sound great on female vocals ( IMO). You can usually find these guys pretty cheap. Give 'em a go!

marcus_wilkins

Good buy

These mics are good for singer songwriters and other light genres of music. The 550 for vocals and the 551 on the guitar. I have also used this combo on guitar amps and piano. The key to using these is to not place it to close to the source or put to much gain on it.

travis_crum

Honestly not that bad, but I only bought this because it came as a bundle option for the Focusrite 18i20 and I knew that it could be modded with a Neumann U87 clone kit

Honestly not that bad, but I only bought this because it came as a bundle option for the Focusrite 18i20 and I knew that it could be modded with a Neumann U87 clone kit. It was either pay the regular price for just the Focusrite 18i20 or pay the regular price and also get the mic bundle and an extra pair of headphones.

jimmarchi1

headphones? bah!

fernghouly

perfect

i bought this combo pack on a whim when it was like half off on hellomusic. i dont use the 551, but the 550 is an essential mic when it comes to how my recordings sound. its brightness is like perfectly contoured for my voice for some reason & i LOVE how it captures guitar tones, even from shit amps

jacque_dewalt

Great for beginners!

I love this mic pair for it's true sound and durability, but I am now looking to move on to a more high end mic. This mic is perfect for people just getting into recording.

Genre Usage

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