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Description

Unleash the authentic warmth and vintage vibe of your recordings with the MXL 990 Ribbon microphone. Perfectly blending classic charm with modern functionality, this microphone is designed for musicians and studio professionals who crave the rich, natural sound that only a ribbon microphone can deliver. Housed in the iconic MXL 990 body, this microphone combines the best of both worlds by featuring a bidirectional ribbon element that captures sound with remarkable accuracy and detail.

Ideal for vocals, acoustic instruments, and overhead drum recording, the MXL 990 Ribbon offers a unique tonal quality that enhances the depth and texture of your audio projects. Its figure-8 polar pattern provides excellent side rejection, making it the go-to choice for capturing nuanced performances in diverse recording environments. Whether you're tracking in a home studio or a professional setting, the MXL 990 Ribbon delivers a consistently warm and balanced sound that elevates your recordings to the next level.

Crafted with precision and attention to detail, this microphone is not only a powerhouse in performance but also a stylish addition to any studio setup. With the MXL 990 Ribbon, experience the timeless appeal of ribbon technology with the reliability and innovation of modern engineering.

Key Features:

  • Bidirectional ribbon element for rich and natural sound
  • Figure-8 polar pattern for excellent side rejection
  • Well-suited for vocals, acoustic instruments, and overhead drums
  • Housed in the iconic MXL 990 body for classic aesthetics
  • Ideal for both home and professional studio environments

Product specs

Brand MXL
Model 990 Ribbon
Year 2010s
Categories Microphones

FAQs

What is the primary application for the MXL 990 Ribbon microphone?

The MXL 990 Ribbon microphone is primarily designed for studio recording, offering a warm and natural sound ideal for vocals and instruments.

What polar pattern does the MXL 990 Ribbon microphone use?

The MXL 990 Ribbon microphone features a bidirectional (figure-8) polar pattern, capturing sound equally from the front and back while rejecting noise from the sides.

How would you describe the sound signature of the MXL 990 Ribbon microphone?

The MXL 990 Ribbon microphone is known for its warm and smooth sound signature, which is particularly suited for capturing detailed midrange frequencies and adding a vintage character to recordings.

Is the MXL 990 Ribbon microphone suitable for home studio use?

Yes, the MXL 990 Ribbon microphone is well-suited for home studios, offering professional-quality sound that enhances vocal and instrumental recordings.

Can the MXL 990 Ribbon microphone handle high sound pressure levels?

Ribbon microphones like the MXL 990 are generally sensitive to high sound pressure levels, so it's advisable to use them with caution on loud sources to avoid damage.

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have successfully upgraded the MXL 990 with a ribbon element from diyribbonmic.com, using custom 3D printed parts for better alignment and performance.

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  • DIYRE offers a mod kit for the MXL 990, costing around $150 and taking about an hour to install, enhancing its performance significantly.

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  • The MXL 990 can be significantly improved by replacing the stock capsule with a MicParts RK-47 for enhanced sound quality.

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Build quality

  • It's noted that while metal frames are preferred for durability, plastic frames with good magnets can still perform well when upgraded with quality components.

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  • The headbasket of the MXL 990 has enough room to accommodate a 34mm capsule, which can be beneficial for modding purposes.

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Features and functionality

  • A 3D printed ribbon alignment jig simplifies re-ribboning, reducing the need to fight with magnets during upgrades.

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  • The MXL 990 has been noted to sound a bit brittle, making it more challenging to fit into a mix without additional processing.

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Comparisons

  • Upgraded MXL 990s with a good transformer can rival more expensive ribbon mics, offering similar sound quality.

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  • The Miktek MK300, priced at $200, has been highlighted as a superior alternative to the MXL 990/991 for better sound quality.

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  • The MXL 990 is described as having a small diaphragm condenser in a large diaphragm style body, affecting its sound profile compared to true LDCs.

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Setup and maintenance

  • DIY upgrades allow removal of excess grille material, potentially improving frequency response but making the mic more delicate.

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Use cases and applications

  • The MXL 991 has been noted to capture rich distortion when used for recording electric guitar.

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  • The MXL 990/991 microphones are particularly praised for their performance with acoustic guitar and as drum overheads.

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Value and pricing

  • The MXL 990/991 package can be a good deal when priced at $65, making it a cost-effective option for beginners.

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  • The MXL 990 is seen as a low-risk purchase at its street price of $100, providing a cost-effective starting point for beginners.

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