Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $111
Standard/Professional
$100
$401+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "MXL 991 Condenser Microphone". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The MXL 991 Condenser Microphone is your go-to solution for capturing the intricate nuances of acoustic instruments and more, without breaking the bank. Perfectly suited for home studios, this small-diaphragm pencil condenser microphone is a staple for any budding musician or seasoned professional looking to elevate their recordings. Its gold-sputtered, 6-micron diaphragm ensures a crystal-clear sound that captures every detail, while the wide cardioid polar pattern makes it versatile for a range of recording scenarios. Whether you're miking up an acoustic guitar, using it as an overhead for drums, or exploring other creative uses, the MXL 991 is designed to deliver a smooth high-frequency response, adding presence to your recordings without any harshness.
Housed in a compact profile, the MXL 991 is tailor-made for close-quarter applications, making it easy to position in tight spaces. With a frequency range that spans from 30Hz to 18kHz, this microphone offers an impressive level of detail, ensuring that your recordings are both rich and vibrant. Its robust build quality and professional-grade components make it a reliable choice for any recording environment.
Key Features:
- High-quality, small-diaphragm pencil condenser
- Gold-sputtered, 6-micron diaphragm
- Wide cardioid polar pattern
- Frequency range: 30Hz–18kHz
- Smooth high-frequency response
- Ideal for acoustic instruments and drum overheads
- Compact design for easy positioning in tight spaces
Product specs
| Brand | MXL |
| Model | 991 Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone |
| Finish | Nickel |
| Year | 2010s |
| Made In | China |
| Categories | Microphones |
FAQs
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What is the primary use of the MXL 991 Condenser Microphone?
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The MXL 991 is primarily designed for recording instruments, particularly acoustic guitars and drum overheads, offering clarity and detail ideal for these applications.
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Does the MXL 991 require phantom power?
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Yes, the MXL 991 condenser microphone requires phantom power to operate, which is typically supplied by most audio interfaces and mixers.
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How would you describe the sound signature of the MXL 991?
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The MXL 991 offers a clear and detailed sound with a focus on capturing the nuances of instruments, making it well-suited for studio recordings of acoustic instruments.
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Is the MXL 991 suitable for live performances?
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While the MXL 991 can be used in live settings, it is primarily designed for studio use, where its sensitivity and clarity can be fully utilized without feedback issues common in live environments.
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What polar pattern does the MXL 991 feature?
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The MXL 991 uses a cardioid polar pattern, which focuses on capturing sound from the front while reducing noise from the sides and rear, ideal for isolating instruments.
Videos
Podcastage
MXL-991 XLR Condenser Mic Review / Test
Reviews
PROS
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Captures acoustic guitar with impressive clarity and detail
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Provides crisp and clear output for a budget microphone
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Affordable option for those not seeking high-end brands
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Smooth highs and balanced mids for a well-rounded sound
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Effective for recording snares, overheads, and acoustic guitars
CONS
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Prone to failure; multiple users report microphone breakdowns
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Low headroom; lacks a pad for handling high sound pressure levels
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Midrange focused; top end can become shrill without careful EQ
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Better suited for hobbyists than professional-level recording sessions
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MXL 991 Condenser Microphone.
Comparisons
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Miktek MK300 offers a superior sound quality for $200 compared to the MXL 991, which some users find lacking.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The MXL 991 is praised for capturing rich distortion in electric guitar recordings, despite mixed reviews for acoustic use.
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Mods and upgrades
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A DIYRE mod for the MXL 990 can significantly enhance its performance, costing around $150 and requiring basic soldering skills.
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Value and pricing
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The MXL 990/991 bundle is considered a bargain at $65, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
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Setup and maintenance
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Desiccant can resolve low rumble noise in MXL 991, indicating possible capsule contamination by humidity and dust.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings
40997
Tolerable.
This is a passable chinese mic. I'm guessing it's knocked off of the km84. It's very cheap. Sometimes you can get it for free with an MXL LDC. For free it's pretty good but I would not pay more than 50 dollars for one. Low headroom, no pad. Very midrange focused but the top end that's there can become shrill. Does not take eq boosts well. Position carefully and apply cut only in mixdown.
You run into these guys at project studios a lot and they're a good reason to bring as many of your own carefully selected affordable mics as possible when traveling to engineer a low budget session. I always try to find out exactly what these places have on hand. Sometimes they'll just say like 3 or 4 SDCs and that could be a mixed bag of stuff... your chances of getting a good sound from unspecified cheapo LDCs is a little better than with SDCs in my opinion. There are just better cheap LDCs out there as the LDC firmat has always been the attention grabber.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
Overheads in a pinch, typically spaced. Acoustic guitar in a pinch... toms maybe. Doorstop.
181
Genre Usage
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