MXL 990 Stereo

$69.95 Price Tier: Budget

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Page last updated Jun 01, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 1, 2026.

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4.5 (88)

$89.95 $69.95 $20.00 · All time low

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Average Price: $90

Budget/Beginner

$100

$401+

Price Tier

In the Condenser Microphones category, MXL 990 Stereo is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "MXL 990 Stereo". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Discover the MXL 990 Stereo, a microphone that seamlessly blends professional-grade features with accessibility, making it an ideal choice for both budding and seasoned musicians. This side-addressed stereo small diaphragm condenser microphone is designed to deliver broadcast-quality sound, perfectly capturing the nuances of vocals, acoustic instruments, and ambient soundscapes.

At its core, the MXL 990 Stereo boasts a gold-sputtered, 6-micron diaphragm, ensuring remarkable sensitivity and detail. Its German-style transformerless circuitry, combined with an FET preamp, provides a pristine audio path, resulting in articulate highs, balanced mids, and robust lows. The fixed cardioid polar pattern focuses on the sound source directly in front, minimizing ambient noise, and allowing for clear and precise recordings.

Encased in a durable, vintage-inspired metal body, the MXL 990 Stereo doesn't just promise reliability; it also adds a touch of classic aesthetics to your studio setup. Whether you're recording in a professional studio or a home environment, this microphone is equipped to handle it all. Included accessories like a custom shockmount, mic stand adapter, and protective carrying case ensure you're ready to record anytime, anywhere.

Key Features:

Side-addressed stereo small diaphragm condenser microphone
Gold-sputtered, 6-micron diaphragm
German-style transformerless circuitry with FET preamp
Fixed cardioid polar pattern
Durable vintage-style metal chassis
Includes custom shockmount, mic stand adapter, and protective carrying case

Product specs

Brand	MXL
Model	990 Stereo
Year	2010s
Categories	Microphones

FAQs

What kind of sound characteristics can I expect from the MXL 990 Stereo microphone?: The MXL 990 Stereo microphone is known for its silky high end and tight, solid low and midrange reproduction, thanks to its FET preamp design. It delivers a beautifully balanced sound suitable for a variety of recording applications.
Is the MXL 990 Stereo microphone suitable for vocal recording?: Yes, the MXL 990 Stereo is well-suited for vocal recordings, offering a smooth high-frequency response and clear midrange to capture vocals with clarity and detail.
What accessories are included with the MXL 990 Stereo microphone?: The MXL 990 Stereo microphone comes with a custom shockmount, mic stand adapter, and a carrying case, providing essential accessories for setup and transport.
What type of finish does the MXL 990 Stereo microphone have?: The MXL 990 Stereo microphone features a vintage body style with a champagne finish, giving it a classic and professional appearance.
Does the MXL 990 Stereo microphone require phantom power?: Yes, the MXL 990 Stereo condenser microphone requires phantom power to operate, which is typically supplied by most audio interfaces or mixers.

Reviews

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Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

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The MXL 990 requires phantom power, making it essential to have compatible equipment like the Line 6 Pod Studio UX2.
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Mods and upgrades

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Using a coat hanger with pantyhose as a DIY pop filter can effectively reduce plosives for clearer recordings.
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Owners have successfully improved the MXL 990 by installing a MicParts RK-47 capsule, significantly enhancing its sound quality.
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The MXL 990 can be modded with a Michael Joly / OktavaMod, making it comparable to mics under $3000 according to users.
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Comparisons

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The MXL 990 offers more clarity than a Shure PG58, but users note it can be harsh compared to dynamics like the SM58 or Audix OM3.
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Despite its low cost, the MXL 990 is often considered inferior to the AKG C214, which users find has better sound quality for around $200 used.
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Setup and maintenance

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For optimal sound, use an XLR cable instead of an XLR-to-1/4" converter to maintain signal integrity.
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Placing the SM57 on a short stand towards the soundboard can help capture detail and reduce bleed when recording with the MXL 990 in a church environment.
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Use cases and applications

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Some users have recorded successful commercial music and radio broadcasts with the MXL 990, attesting to its professional capabilities.
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The 990 has been noted to work well for recording acoustic guitars and drum overheads, despite its limitations in other areas.
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In a church setting, positioning the MXL 990 1-2 feet off the piano lid can balance direct and ambient sound effectively for pop-rock recordings.
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Experimenting with lid positions (open for projection, half-stick for intimacy) impacts the MXL 990's ability to capture desired piano acoustics.
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Utilizing a stereo widener on the MXL 990 can enhance the intro of pop-rock tracks, especially in large, reverberant spaces like churches.
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Value and pricing

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At $50, the MXL 990 is viewed as an excellent budget choice for upgrading vocal recording quality.
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Build quality

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The MXL 990 is housed in a large diaphragm style body, but actually contains a small diaphragm capsule, which can be surprising to some users.
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