MXL 990 USB Stereo

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Page last updated Oct 08, 2025

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Description

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The MXL 990 USB Stereo microphone brings studio-quality sound to your home or project studio with the ease of USB connectivity. Designed for musicians and podcasters alike, this versatile condenser microphone captures every nuance and detail with precision. Its digital architecture ensures seamless integration with both Mac OSX and Windows systems, making it a breeze to set up and start recording. The three-position output level switch (LOW/MED/HI) provides flexibility in capturing a range of audio sources, from vocals to acoustic instruments, while minimizing background noise.

With the MXL 990 USB Stereo, you’ll experience a robust and rich sound profile that elevates your recordings to professional-grade clarity. The microphone’s 16-bit A/D converter supports sample rates of 44.1-48kHz, ensuring your audio is captured with crisp detail and minimal latency. Whether you're laying down tracks or broadcasting your latest podcast, this microphone offers the reliability and performance you need.

Key Features:

USB connectivity compatible with Mac OSX and Windows
Three-position output level switch (LOW/MED/HI)
16-bit A/D converter with 44.1-48kHz sample rates
Small diaphragm condenser design for detailed sound capture
Ideal for vocals, instruments, and podcasting

Product specs

Brand	MXL
Model	990 USB Stereo
Year	2010s
Categories	Microphones

FAQs

What is the primary application for the MXL 990 USB Stereo microphone?: The MXL 990 USB Stereo microphone is primarily designed for recording vocals and instruments in a home studio setting, offering the convenience of USB connectivity for easy setup and use.
Does the MXL 990 USB Stereo require any additional equipment to start recording?: No additional equipment is needed as the MXL 990 USB Stereo connects directly to your computer via USB, making it a plug-and-play solution for recording.
Is the MXL 990 USB Stereo microphone compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems?: Yes, the MXL 990 USB Stereo is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, allowing for versatile use across different platforms.
What type of polar pattern does the MXL 990 USB Stereo microphone use?: The MXL 990 USB Stereo microphone features a cardioid polar pattern, which is ideal for capturing sound from the front while minimizing background noise from the sides and rear.
How would you describe the sound quality of the MXL 990 USB Stereo microphone?: The MXL 990 USB Stereo microphone delivers a warm and detailed sound, making it suitable for a variety of recording applications, from vocals to acoustic instruments.

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 USB Stereo.

Features and functionality

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The MXL 990 requires phantom power to operate, which may necessitate additional equipment like a phantom power box for some setups.
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The MXL MicMate is noted for converting the mic's signal to digital and providing phantom power, suitable for recording directly to a computer.
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Setup and maintenance

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Converting from XLR to 1/4" can lead to quality loss; using an XLR female/male cable with a converter improves sound.
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Audio interfaces like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 are recommended as they include built-in phantom power needed for the MXL 990.
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Comparisons

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An MXL 990 offers better high-frequency clarity but may introduce harshness compared to dynamic mics, which can be more cost-effective.
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The MXL 990 is considered by some to be harsh in the high end, especially when compared to more expensive microphones like the Audio-Technica AT4040.
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Use cases and applications

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The MXL 990 has been used successfully for radio station vocals and music recordings that generated income, indicating its professional viability.
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The MXL 990 is particularly noted for its performance on acoustic guitars and drum overheads, with some users finding it surprisingly effective given its price.
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Using a thick piece of foam can substitute for a mic stand in recording setups, providing stability for the MXL 990.
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Value and pricing

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The MXL 990 is noted for its affordability, available for as low as $50 new, making it a budget-friendly option for beginners.
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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 some users find misleading.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners have successfully upgraded the MXL 990 with MicParts' RK-47 capsule, significantly improving its sound quality.
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Removing a layer from the 990's headbasket and upgrading to larger WIMA coupling caps are popular modifications to improve sound clarity.
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Michael Joly's retired mod for the MXL 990 reportedly made it sound similar to the Neumann U87 at a lower cost.
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User experience

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Users find the 990's self-noise to be high compared to slightly more expensive microphones, impacting its suitability for quiet recordings.
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