Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
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
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What is the primary application for the MXL 550/551 condenser microphones?
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The MXL 550/551 microphone kit is designed for studio recording, offering a versatile solution for capturing vocals and instruments with clarity.
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What polar pattern do the MXL 550 and 551 microphones use?
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Both the MXL 550 and 551 microphones feature a cardioid polar pattern, which is ideal for isolating the sound source and minimizing background noise.
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Do the MXL 550/551 microphones require phantom power?
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Yes, both microphones in the MXL 550/551 kit require 48V phantom power to operate.
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What is the maximum SPL for the MXL 550 and 551 microphones?
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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.
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Are the MXL 550/551 microphones suitable for home studio use?
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Yes, the MXL 550/551 microphone kit is well-suited for home studio applications, providing quality sound capture for both vocals and instruments.
Videos
RecordingStudio9.com
MXL 550/551 Microphone Kit/Set Review
Reviews
PROS
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Excellent value for the price
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Versatile, suitable for vocals, guitars, drums, and various instruments
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Provides clear, bright sound with minimal EQ needed
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Attractive design with durable build
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Comes with holders and a good storage case
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Great for both music production and YouTube videos
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Ideal for beginner and intermediate recording setups
CONS
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Slight high-mid boost may require adjustment
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Lacks shock mount setup
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Might not satisfy those seeking high-end microphone qualities
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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
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The MXL 550 delivers a gritty character that surprisingly suits upright bass, enhancing midrange presence without needing a super smooth mic.
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High SPL environments like drum miking mitigate the noise floor issue, making the MXL 550/551 suitable for such applications.
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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
User experience
Comparisons
4.5 out of 5
Based on 5 Reviews and 17 Ratings
1822
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!
231
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.
115
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.
41029
headphones? bah!
170
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
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
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.