MXL 990/991 - What To Know & Where To Buy

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated June 10, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

4.5 (12)

$119.95

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4.5 (46)

$102.19

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4.6 (2778)

$99.00 Used

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5.0 (9)

$109.95 8 available New

$55.00 14 available Used

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4.0 (185)

$109.95

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$109.95

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4.5 (11)

$123.00 $122.00 $1.00 · All time low

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Average Price: $104

Standard/Professional

$100

$401+

Price Tier

In the Condenser Microphones category, MXL 990/991 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "MXL 990/991". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Unlock the potential of your home studio with the MXL 990/991 condenser microphone package. This dynamic duo is an excellent choice for musicians and recording enthusiasts who demand versatility without breaking the bank. The MXL 990, with its large diaphragm condenser design, delivers a rich, balanced sound that's perfect for vocals and voice-overs. Its distinct gold-sputtered diaphragm ensures a neutral tone with just the right amount of presence and warmth, making every vocal track stand out.

Paired with the 990, the MXL 991 small-diaphragm condenser microphone thrives in capturing the intricate details of acoustic instruments and drum overheads. Its wide cardioid polar pattern and smooth high-frequency response will add a crisp, clear definition to your recordings without harshness. Whether you're laying down tracks in a professional studio or a cozy bedroom setup, the 991's compact profile is ideal for close-quarter applications, ensuring you capture every nuance with precision.

Both microphones are housed in a durable, vintage-inspired design and come complete with a high-impact carrying case and mic stand adapters, providing a seamless and portable recording solution. This package is not only a fantastic entry point for beginners but also a valuable addition to any seasoned producer's mic collection.

Key Features:

Includes MXL 990 large-diaphragm and MXL 991 small-diaphragm condenser microphones
Gold-sputtered diaphragms for professional sound quality
MXL 990: 30Hz–20kHz frequency range, cardioid pattern
MXL 991: 30Hz–18kHz frequency range, wide cardioid pattern
Requires 48V phantom power
Comes with a high-impact carrying case and mic stand adapters

Owner's manual

MXL 990/991 User Manual

Product specs

Number of Microphones	2
Included Models	1 x MXL 990, 1 x MXL 991
Microphone Type	Pressure Gradient Condenser
Polar Pattern	Cardioid
Max SPL	130dB (990), 137dB (991)
Power Source	48V phantom power

FAQs

What are the primary applications for the MXL 990 and 991 microphones?: The MXL 990 is ideal for recording vocals with its silky high end and solid bass, while the MXL 991 is designed for capturing instruments like acoustic guitars and drum overheads.
Do the MXL 990 and 991 microphones require phantom power?: Yes, both the MXL 990 and 991 microphones require 48V phantom power to operate.
What is the polar pattern of the MXL 990 and 991 microphones?: Both the MXL 990 and 991 microphones feature a cardioid polar pattern, which helps focus on the sound source while minimizing background noise.
Can the MXL 990/991 set handle high sound pressure levels?: Yes, the MXL 990 can handle a maximum SPL of 130dB, and the MXL 991 can handle up to 137dB, making them suitable for loud sound sources.
Are the MXL 990 and 991 microphones suitable for home studio recording?: Yes, the MXL 990/991 bundle is designed for project and home studio recording, offering versatile options for both vocal and instrumental recordings.

Videos

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Joe Barnard

The MXL 990/991 Package

Joe Barnard

MXL 990/991 Condenser Microphone Recording Package - Gear Review 25

David Stroz - Sonic Orb Studios

Behringer C-2 vs Mxl 990 and 991 - Guitar

Emiliano Zapata Guitarrista

MXL 990 y MXL 991 ACOUSTIC GUITAR

LuisCastillo.89

MICROFONO MXL 990 & 991/-UNBOXING- MXL MICS (RAPIDA PRUEBA DE SONIDO)

Grichi Music

MXL 990/991 Studio Microphone Unboxing

UnderlinedDesigns

Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional value for entry-level condenser mics
Versatile for vocals, instruments, and live shows
Wide frequency response, superior to some competitors
Solid build quality with clean, crisp sound output
Ideal for home studios and budget-conscious users
Provides options with both small and large diaphragm mics
Compatible for modding with high-end components
Can achieve solid results with proper technique and placement
Suitable for podcasting and basic recording needs
Comes with a protective case for transportation

CONS

Not forgiving, picks up everything including background noise
Requires careful mic placement and post-recording adjustments
May struggle with very loud sources without distortion
Shock mount not included despite manual's claim
Mic clip for the large diaphragm mic may need replacement
Sound may be considered flat, lacking character for some applications
High sensitivity necessitates a well-treated recording environment
Not the best choice for those needing a single mic solution

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MXL 990/991.

Use cases and applications

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The MXL 991 is praised for capturing rich distortion on electric guitar, offering a unique application beyond its typical acoustic setup.
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Mods and upgrades

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A DIYRE circuit upgrade kit transforms the MXL 990 into a favored mic, though it requires soldering skills; costs around $150 and takes about an hour to install.
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Comparisons

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Miktek MK300 at $200 is noted to provide superior sound to the MXL 990/991, highlighting an alternative in a similar price range.
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Value and pricing

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At a sale price of $65, the MXL 990/991 bundle is considered worthwhile, especially if budget constraints are a priority.
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Setup and maintenance

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Drying the MXL 991 with desiccant can resolve low rumble noise issues attributed to capsule contamination by humidity and dust.
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When testing for noise issues, consider using multiple cables and different mics on the same channel to isolate the problem to the microphone.
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Excessive gain on the MXL 991 can lead to clipping and noise floor issues, indicating the importance of appropriate gain settings.
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Features and functionality

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The noise described in the MXL 991 is a low rumble similar to wind noise, indicating potential internal issues like capsule contamination.
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User experience

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Some owners experience sporadic noise in the MXL 991, which may temporarily resolve on its own, suggesting occasional manufacturing inconsistencies.
Source

Critic Reviews

Mojo Pie: MXL 990 and MXL 991

mojopie.com

The MXL 990/991 mic duo offers decent performance for the price, with the 991 standing out as the "cubic zirconia" of the pair. It's bright but works well for acoustic guitars and drum kits. The 990, although less impressive, finds its niche on toms. While not matching high-end mics, these budget options make a compelling case for low-cost studio gear, especially when damage risk is a concern. A solid choice for budget-conscious studios seeking versatile tools.

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Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 8 Reviews and 19 Ratings

5 star

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1 star

smerr18

almost 11 years ago

Good starter studio mics

I use these mics for my home recordings. They came in a set (duh), for about $100, so they aren't the greatest needless to say, but they sound fine on voice, acoustic guitar, speaker cabs, piano and trumpet. If you're looking to start a home studio on a budget, get these.

djdelorean

205

over 12 years ago

Entry level condenser mics

fiddler

479

12 years ago over 12 years ago

is it good?

djdelorean

205

12 years ago over 12 years ago

They're decent for the price, considering you're getting two mics. They're a good value to start off with, but you most likely will want to upgrade in the future.

fiddler

479

12 years ago over 12 years ago

cheers bro :)

corbincs

378

almost 12 years ago

Good start mic kit

Been using these cheap powerhouse mics for a while. Both are quite versatile. These mics can't handle much power coming from the source (vox, guitar, etc). Overall I've liked em.