Pricing and availability

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Sweetwater
4.5 (12)
$119.95
Amazon
4.6 (2783)
$119.95
Reverb
$95.65 1 available Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (185)
$119.95
Thomann
4.5 (11)
$122.00 $121.00 $1.00 · All time low

Average Price: $109

Standard/Professional

$100

$401+

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "MXL 991 Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone Pair". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unlock the full potential of your recording sessions with the MXL 991 Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone Pair. Perfectly crafted for both budding and seasoned musicians, these microphones offer an exceptional balance of quality and affordability. Whether you're capturing the delicate nuances of an acoustic guitar or the dynamic range of a drum kit, the MXL 991's wide cardioid polar pattern ensures every detail is captured with stunning clarity.

The gold-sputtered, 6-micron diaphragm is the heart of the MXL 991, delivering a smooth high-frequency response without any stridency. This makes it ideal for close-quarter recording, as well as providing a clean and articulate sound for both digital and analog recording setups. Its compact design allows for easy placement in tight spaces, making it a versatile choice for home studios or live performances.

These pencil condensers also excel as stereo pairs for drum overheads, offering an impressive frequency range from 30Hz to 18kHz. With a maximum SPL of 137 dB, they handle high-pressure sound sources effortlessly, delivering a performance that belies their modest price tag. Each pair comes with two hard-mount mic stand adapters and a high-impact carrying case, ensuring your gear is protected and ready for any recording challenge.

Key Features:

  • Small-diaphragm condenser microphone pair
  • Gold-sputtered, 6-micron diaphragm
  • Wide cardioid polar pattern
  • Frequency range: 30Hz - 18kHz
  • Max SPL: 137 dB
  • Requires 48V phantom power
  • Includes hard-mount mic stand adapters and carrying case

Product specs

Number of Microphones 2
Included Models 1 x MXL 990, 1 x MXL 991
Microphone Type Pressure Gradient Condenser
Polar Pattern Cardioid
Max SPL 130dB (990), 137dB (991)
Power Source 48V phantom power

FAQs

What is the primary application for the MXL 991 microphone?

The MXL 991 is designed for capturing acoustic instruments, such as guitars and drums, with high detail and clarity due to its small diaphragm condenser design.

Does the MXL 991 require phantom power to operate?

Yes, the MXL 991 requires 48V phantom power, which is commonly supplied by most audio interfaces and mixers.

What polar pattern does the MXL 991 use?

The MXL 991 features a cardioid polar pattern, which helps isolate the sound source by rejecting off-axis noise, making it ideal for focused recording applications.

How does the MXL 991 handle high sound pressure levels?

The MXL 991 can handle a maximum sound pressure level (SPL) of 137dB, making it suitable for recording loud instruments without distortion.

Can the MXL 991 be used for vocal recording?

While the MXL 991 is primarily designed for instruments, it can be used for vocal recording, though the MXL 990 in the bundle is better suited for vocals due to its larger diaphragm.

Emiliano Zapata Guitarrista

Emiliano Zapata Guitarrista

Behringer C-2 vs Mxl 990 and 991 - Guitar

Video thumbnail for Behringer C-2 vs Mxl 990 and 991 - Guitar by Emiliano Zapata Guitarrista

Behringer C-2 vs Mxl 990 and 991 - Guitar

Emiliano Zapata Guitarrista

Emiliano Zapata Guitarrista

Video thumbnail for Samson CO2 vs MXL 991 by FunnyGuyTimmy

Samson CO2 vs MXL 991

FunnyGuyTimmy

FunnyGuyTimmy

Video thumbnail for How to open up a small diaphragm condenser mic by silentskystudios

How to open up a small diaphragm condenser mic

silentskystudios

silentskystudios

Video thumbnail for MXL 991 - Overview and Specifications - Great Budget Condenser Microphone by Jack Marcin Wisniewski

MXL 991 - Overview and Specifications - Great Budget Condenser Microphone

Jack Marcin Wisniewski

Jack Marcin Wisniewski

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent for recording folk and acoustic music with a gentle tone

  • Offers great value for money, especially in untreated spaces

  • Durable with over 15 years of reliable use in studio and live settings

  • Clean, clear high-end sound that almost "shimmers"

  • Perfect for close mic'ing acoustic guitars with balanced results

  • Includes useful accessories like cradles and a carry case

CONS

  • High-end can sound thin and brittle compared to some other mics

  • Construction feels a bit light, requiring careful handling

  • High sensitivity may require careful placement to avoid unwanted noise

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MXL 991 Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone Pair.

Comparisons

  • Lewitt LCT 140 and sE7 are often preferred over the MXL 991 for better sound quality within a $200-$250 budget.

    Source
  • Miktek MK300, priced at $200, is highlighted as a superior alternative to the MXL 990/991, offering better sound quality.

    Source
  • Some users argue the MXL 991 sounds better than the 990, potentially due to sample variation or internal differences.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The DIYRE mod for the MXL 990, priced at $150, can enhance its performance significantly if you have soldering skills.

    Source
  • Owners have successfully used MicParts RK-47 capsule mods on MXL 990 to achieve significant sound improvement.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The MXL 991 is reported to produce impressive results on electric guitar, capturing rich distortion tones effectively.

    Source
  • Owners use the MXL 991 for acoustic guitar and as overheads, finding them suitable for these applications.

    Source
  • MXL 991 is effective on hi-hat and ride cymbals; users also find it suitable for vocals with adjustments around 2k-4k Hz.

    Source
  • MXL 991's small condenser design is described as surprisingly effective for capturing clean Marshall half-stack amps, suggesting versatility beyond typical small condenser roles.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Desiccant use can resolve low rumble noises, possibly due to capsule contamination by humidity or dust.

    Source
  • Drying out the microphone in a box with desiccant can alleviate noise issues, suggesting humidity sensitivity.

    Source

User experience

  • MXL 991 may exhibit crackling or low rumble noises, which could indicate internal issues or capsule contamination.

    Source
  • MXL 991 has been reported to be noisier compared to other similar-priced models, like the Pulsar II's.

    Source
  • Intermittent noise issues with MXL 991 might indicate build inconsistencies, as some units are noisier than others.

    Source

Build quality

  • An owner reported that the MXL 4000 may take a few seconds to register on a preamp when phantom power is turned on, which might be mistaken for malfunction.

    Source

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