Customer Reviews
Best mic! 
2008-07-21
Very good mic for live recording...don't let the price fool this is a really good mic.To hear a sound clip recorded by this mic go to [...] you will be impressed with the quality sound from this mic. Just buy it already!
More than a year later 2008-01-26
I bought one of these over a year ago, and it's been in regular almost daily use since. Easily one of my favorite mics for recording voice and acoustic instruments. I have had absolutely no problems with it, it's solid and reliable.
The sound is perhaps slightly warm for close-up vocal work, so for that you might want to roll back the lows on your eq just a tiny bit. But I find that bit of warmth very pleasant for recording acoustic guitar, dulcimer, flute, etc. If you're miking an acoustic instrument from 3 ft or further away, then the sound is crisp and has enough low end to just be pleasant.
I have microphones that cost more, but for recording this one would be my favorite. Amazingly good sound for the price.
Cheap and really not all that bad. 2007-12-14
[review updated after more time spent with the mic]
Well, there's definitely some detail missing in the mids, but it has a generally pleasing "very fat" (aka muddy) tone. Makes a fair snare drum mic. Needs a bit of EQ for almost any practical application. I don't think I'd use it to track the vocals on anything, but it works. You'd be better off with a similarly-priced small-diaphragm condenser and a windscreen.
Mediocre Out of the Box, Great with Modifications 
2007-10-14
The MXL 990 is one of many Chinese-manufactured condenser mics that suffer from two common problems - it is simultaneously ill-defined in the critical midrange and excessively harsh in the treble range. While the circuit used in the mic is quite clever and fairly well implemented, the sonic deficiencies lie within the condenser capsule and headbasket acoustics.
By and large, Chinese-manufactured mics use condenser capsules copied from classic Neumann designs. Unfortunately, these inexact copies fall short of delivering the magnificent midrange accuracy and smooth, sibilance-free top end Neumann capsules are known for. Most of the copied capsules deliver a sound that is often described as harsh, spitty, "eshy", sibilant or screechy. Poor headbasket acoustics compound the problems created by these capsules.
The MXL 990, like most microphones of its class, uses a multi-layer grille mesh headbasket. These multiple layers of mesh do protect the capsule from spittle and wind blasts - but at a cost. Multiple layer headbaskets have a very small percentage of open area in the grille. This means a great deal of sound is reflected back and forth between the capsule and headbasket. Cup your hands around your mouth or speak into a paper tube to get an exaggerated example of the standing wave artifacts caused by a restrictive headbasket.
What to do?
One of the great benefits of the MXL 990 and other similarly priced mics is low cost. With a very modest investment in the original microphone, it becomes an excellent platform for a microphone modification. The capsule can be upgraded and headbasket opened up.
With a suite of microphone modifications this mic, (as well as many other Chinese manufactured mics) can really become a solid performer that sounds much more like a professional tool.
Excellent for the Price 
2007-09-25
I purchased the MXL 990 after being taken for what I believe are counterfeit Shure SM78's on eBay. The upgrade to a large diaphragm microphone was noticeable right away - just the weight and size made me feel like my studio had been upgraded.
The pickup pattern is great, and the sound is excellent for something so thrifty.
A pop filter is a must, and a noise/compression gate is recommended for best performance. If you are looking for an upgrade from your computer microphone or other cheapie, the MXL 990 will keep you going for a long time.
Nice Mic, Good Price 2007-05-07
The MXL 990 Condenser Microphone with Shockmount has a silky sweet high end while retaining tight solid low and midrange reproduction. The 3/4" gold-sputtered diaphragm creates a professional sound suited for digital and analog recording. Attractive vintage body style with champagne finish. 30Hz-20kHz frequency response. 130dB maximum SPL. Includes custom shockmount mic stand adapter and case. Requires phantom power.
mxl 990 
2007-04-08
You get what you pay for. It is pretty decent for the price. However it's quite a bit mudddy, which makes it ok for a demo if you are strapped for cash and can't get a more expensive mic.
Excellent for the price 2007-04-06
This microphone does a pretty decent job at capturing a variety of sources, its quite surprising for a condenser mic at this price. Excellent for vocals, acoustic Guitars, and reference room condenser mic.
feel free to shop with amazon,com 2007-03-27
I am very much satisfy with the mxl condenser microphone with socmount,i purcased from amazon.I will encourage any individual to shop in amazon online shopping.I felt so comfortable and confident when i first placed my order.They are so amazing in any aspect,when it come for the right order and shipping trust amazon.I believe in doing business with amazon online shopping. Feel free to shop with amazon,com.
Thank you.
From Walter Che.
Don't forget the pop filter 2007-02-22
Nice mic at a great price. However, it doesn't include a pop filter which is essential. I was shocked to find that these filters can cost as much as the mic.
