Pricing and availability
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Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $80
Budget/Beginner
$100
$401+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "MXL 990". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the MXL 990 Condensor Microphone, a breakthrough in the music industry that balances affordability and professional-level performance. This mic is a piece of studio magic that comes with a gold-sputtered, 6-micron diaphragm and a German-style transformerless circuitry fitted with a FET preamp. These components work seamlessly to provide recordings with articulate highs, balanced mids, and solid lows.
The 990's fixed cardioid polar pattern makes it an ideal choice for vocals, voiceovers, and acoustic instruments, capturing your sound sources directly while reducing unwanted ambient noise. This microphone is not just high performing, but also robust and ready for the road. Its durable body, inspired by vintage designs, ensures it can withstand the rigors of recording and travel.
The MXL 990 Condensor Microphone is more than just a mic; it's a package that delivers pro-level gear and performance without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
- Gold-sputtered, 6-micron diaphragm for lifelike recordings
- German-style transformerless circuitry with a FET preamp for balanced frequency response
- Fixed cardioid polar pattern perfect for vocals, voiceovers, and acoustic instruments
- Durable, vintage-styled body for longevity
- Comes with a custom shockmount, mic stand adapter, and protective carrying case
- Delivers professional-caliber recordings at an affordable price
- Ideal for home studios and traveling musicians
Product specs
| Microphone Type | Pressure Gradient Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Diaphragm Size | 0.78" (20mm) |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz-20kHz |
| Max SPL | 130 dB SPL (0.5% THD) |
| Output Impedance | 200 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 15mV/Pa |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 80dB (A weighted) |
| Self Noise | 20dB (A weighted) |
| Connector | XLR |
| Power Source | 48V phantom power (±4V) |
| Dimensions | 5.11" x 2.36" |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs. |
| Included Accessories | Shockmount, Mic Stand Adapter, Hardshell Case |
FAQs
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Does the MXL 990 condenser microphone require phantom power?
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Yes, the MXL 990 requires 48V phantom power to operate, which is standard for most condenser microphones.
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What polar pattern does the MXL 990 use?
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The MXL 990 features a cardioid polar pattern, which is ideal for capturing sound from the front while minimizing noise from the sides and rear.
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Is the MXL 990 suitable for recording vocals?
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The MXL 990 is well-suited for vocal recording, offering detailed sound quality that works well for various vocal styles.
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What type of connector does the MXL 990 use?
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The MXL 990 uses an XLR connector, which is standard for professional audio equipment and ensures a secure and noise-free connection.
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What is included with the MXL 990 microphone?
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The MXL 990 comes with a shockmount, mic stand adapter, and a hardshell case, providing everything you need for secure mounting and transport.
Videos
Podcastage
MXL-990 XLR Condenser Mic Review / Test
MXL-990 XLR Condenser Mic Review / Test
Podcastage
MXL990 vs Rode NT1 a
Booth Junkie
MXL 990 Condenser Microphone Review / Test
Audio Hotline
MXL 990 - Condenser Microphone
MXL Microphones
Versus Series: AT2020 vs MXL 990
Chris P. | TheMicGuy
MXL 990 - This Mic is a Bit Overrated (Budget Microphone Review)
AudioHaze
Why I'm never using my expensive mics again! MXL 990 Review
Livestream Revolution
RODE NT1A VS MXL 990 - VOCALS MIC TEST!
Isaac's music lessons
MXL 990 Review: Can This Budget Mic Deliver Pro Sound?
Tom Buck
MXL 990 Condenser Microphone Test \ Review! Is it still champion of the budget condensers?
Obscure Mics
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional quality for the price, rivals high-end mics
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Versatile: great for vocals, guitars, drums, and more
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Delivers rich, open, and detailed sound
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Comes with useful accessories, including shock mount
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Offers potential for DIY modifications to enhance quality
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Strong build quality, reliable performance over time
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Large diaphragm captures a wide frequency range
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Provides warm sound, especially beneficial for vocals
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Ideal for home studios and professional setups alike
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Affordable, making it accessible for beginners and budget-conscious musicians
CONS
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Brightness in high frequencies may require EQ adjustments
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Included shock mount can be fragile; handle with care
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Picks up room acoustics, not ideal for all recording environments
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Some users may find it lacks the depth of more expensive mics
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Dark tone on some applications, may not suit all preferences
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MXL 990.
Mods and upgrades
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The MXL 990 can be significantly enhanced with a MicParts RK-47 capsule swap, transforming its sound quality to compete with higher-end mics.
Source -
DIYRE offers an MXL 990 mod kit for $150 that can significantly enhance its performance; some owners find it becomes a favorite mic post-modification.
Source
Build quality
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The MXL 990 is misleadingly designed with a large diaphragm condenser style body, but actually houses a small diaphragm condenser capsule.
Source -
Both the MXL 770 and 990 feature a small diaphragm condenser capsule similar to the MXL 603, despite their large diaphragm microphone housing design.
Source
User experience
Comparisons
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The MXL V67G is often praised for its mids and lows, and is considered a good alternative to the 990 for those seeking a darker tone.
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Users suggest the Miktek MK300 as a superior alternative to the MXL 990/991, offering better sound quality for just $200.
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The MXL 770 has a severe high boost around 9k, which can be overly harsh on sharp vocals compared to the more balanced MXL 990, making the latter more suitable for varied vocal types.
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The MXL 990, once popular due to limited options, is now outclassed by newer, smoother-sounding large diaphragm microphones like the MXL V67G, which offer better tonal quality.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The MXL 991, which shares the same capsule as the 990, is frequently used for hi-hat and ride cymbals, indicating its high-frequency response.
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The MXL 991 is noted for capturing rich distortion tones on electric guitar, making it suitable for rock and metal styles.
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Despite mixed reviews, some owners successfully use the MXL 990/991 set for acoustic guitar and as overhead mics, appreciating their versatility.
Source
Features and functionality
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Some users find the MXL 990's sound to be brittle and challenging to mix, requiring additional processing to sit well in a track.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 10 Reviews and 61 Ratings
118
The Little Mic That Could
In my life, I have been through hundreds or microphones. In my punk days in the 90s, we couldn't afford anything, so we would essentially use what we could get our hands on. As I was starting to take music seriously, I invested in some intro basic recording mics, like the MXLs. When I thought I had grown out of these models (and had a little bit more money to spend on gear) I bought more Shure mics and some Blue mics for vocals. But, I always got a better tone out of the MXLs! So, for my new recordings of my personal music, I have gone back to the good 'ol MXL 990. For my vocal range, I LOVE this mic. Sadly, my higher-end mics are now collecting dust in the closet. I call these guys "'ol trusty" for a reason.
1248
nice and cheap microphone
It is pretty solid built and you can get very nice results from it. Good performance for a fair price. The built is actually so good, that there are modifications for it. You can order online a kit with better electronics and a better diaphragm. In the end it will cost you some time and around 300-400 USD but it is claimed that it comes into the quality range of some very high priced neumann mics. Even without the modifications it is reasonable good.
40997
by changing the output transformer, diaphragm, and upgrading some caps and resistors for a lower noise floor you can probably get this cheapie to sound a lot like a Neumann TLM103, not my favorite Neumann (even out of affordable ones), but a very good microphone for some vocals and lots of acoustic instrument sounds.
35
Amazing for budget home studios
This is the perfect microphone for somebody that is on a $100 microphone budget to add to their home studio.
151
Awesome Condenser Mic for Someone on a Budget
Honestly, this is just a sweet condenser mic. The highs are crisp, the lows are rumbling, and the mids aren't too extreme. It has great overall response and sounds good. Not much else to say.
40997
condensator?
304
Nice budget high quality condenser mic
A great hard working condensor mic for the home recording studio, at an affordable price.
63
a great mic for intermediates
It's simply a great mic for intermediate musicians. great for recording vocals and guitars
250
208
Nice Microphone
Bought this mic from pawnshop and it works just haven't had a chance to fully record with it as of setup on my Akai Renaissance through the Alto mixer hooked up.
Artist usage
Add artist
In a photo, yeule is pictured in her studio with the MXL 990 Condenser Microphone visible off to her side.
Throughout this Instagram video, Andrew Katz uses an MXL 990 microphone for his comedic open mic performance. The shockmount for the microphone does not appear in the video.
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Used for A-F-R-O's early cyphers, as featured in this March 13, 2020 Instagram post.
allflowsofficial Young FRO... 2013. High school. I had a cheap mic, and my own Pro Tools set up. I’d grab a beat from YouTube (a Wu-Tang or a Pete Rock beat) and write/record every other day. I was the young man with his headphones on in the back of the classroom, minding my own business. And yes, my hair here is hilarious lol. #Throwback
bbwanaz Yoh link us to the music you made back then
allflowsofficial @bbwanaz I have two tracks on YouTube that were from around this time. Up on my channel. Dealing In Lyrics and Preachin’ Man.
daltonslrimmer Yo what kinda mic was it
allflowsofficial @daltonslrimmer I think an MXL 990
Ballad of Paka: Logic Pro for DAW. Guitars were recorded with a MXL 890 through a Focusrite 2i2. My friend recorded drum samples for me to use - not sure what his set up was for those. Vocals were through the MXL and Focusrite as well. As for VST I used some sort of 8bit wave generator for most of the synths plus a thermin plugin for Toothless. Organs were just through the built-in Logic organs. Bass I usually just direct input through the Focusrite.
Pollen King: Logic Pro for Daw. This time Guitars were recorded up close with an SM57, with the MXL 890 picking up room noise (both recorded simultaneously through the Focusrite 2i2.). Drums were recorded live this time with my friend's 8-input firepod. I think I mic'd everything with SM57s and used the MXL 890 and whatever condenser mic he had picking up room noise. Viola on Copper/Gold was recorded with the MXL890 and then re-recorded via my monitors to a tape recorder I bought at Goodwill. I then mixed the two together. VST I think I only used a Mellotron sampler I found online and whatever the built in electric piano for Logic is called. Bass was recorded direct input from the Focusrite again. Vocals through the MXL 890.
Equipment (outside of aforementioned mics): Gibson SG for guitar (Maybe a Strat on some of Pollen King), Vox Solid State amp, Fender Jazz Bass, Basic Starter Bell Kit. Outside of the drums (don't know the make on those) I think that might be it.
Happy to answer more questions if you've got them.
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Rafa uses the MXL 990 Mics for the studio recordings.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use MXL 990, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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