Home Condenser Microphone Reviews MXL 990 USB Microphone Review
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Hi friend and Welcome!!

Before we get into the MXL 990 USB-powered condenser microphone, grab a snack, sit back and relax because…

You’ve come to the right place!!

What I will bring you in this review

  1. Ratings/Price
  2. Specifications
  3. Summary
  4. Pros
  5. Cons
  6. Consensus/Conclusion
  7. Final Word

Now without further ado, let’s get rolling!

MXL 990 (USB)

Ratings/Price

Specifications

  • Analog or digital: Digital
  • Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
  • Max SPL: Info not available. What is SPL?
  • Connectivity: USB
  • Capsule: Condenser
  • Polar pattern: Cardioid. What is a cardioid capsule?
  • Type: Mounted
  • Applications: Studio, mobile
  • Diaphragm size: Large
  • Switches: No
  • Phantom power required: No
  • Width: 2.36″
  • Height: 5.11″
  • Weight: 1 lb.
  • Case: Yes
  • Clip: Yes
  • Shockmount: No

Summary

The MXL 990 USB is a simple plug-and-play USB mic and doesn’t need 48v phantom power or XLR cables. What is XLR?

It includes a small stand, gain switch on the back, and has pretty decent clarity for the price.

Pros

  • Solid considering it’s USB.
  • Great for recording demos with Logic or Garage band.
  • Plug and play; doesn’t get any easier.
  • Good clarity for the price.
  • Includes small stand.
  • Extremely sensitive, picking up all subtle nuances in a person’s voice.
  • Gain switch on the back.
  • Comes in a nice case and includes a shock-mount.
  • Good for a beginner on a small budget.

Cons

  • If you want studio-quality sound, you need to invest in studio-quality equipment, and/or a real studio setting.
  • Humming sound audible at times.
  • Very sensitive, picking up nearly everything in its vicinity. Acoustic Sound Treatment never hurts!

One reviewer mentioned that if you’re a serious voice-over actor, and need to use this with headphones it will not work that great because of latency. What is latency? A good remedy for that is to just use a true condenser with a preamp (audio interface).

Consensus/Conclusion

This is a decent mic, but there are better options out there.

Final Word

I would go with the Blue Yeti if I was just starting out and needed a reliable, convenient, and feature-packed microphone. Interested in learning more about the best USB microphone on the market?

CHECK OUT MY OFFICIAL BLUE MICROPHONES YETI REVIEW!!


Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this MXL 990 USB-powered condenser microphone review.

Questions, comments, requests? Did I miss the mark? Let me know down below or Contact me!!

Is the Yeti a better investment than the 990? Let me know!!

Until next time…

All the best and God bless,

 

 

-Stu

[Xtr@Ba$eHitZ]

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2 comments

Taylor April 30, 2015 - 9:50 pm

Man that is some intense stuff,okay so im a beginner would i start with this then?

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Stu May 3, 2015 - 2:15 am

hey man, if you don’t want to mess with getting an audio interface then yea i would go this route.. if you want to invest in your sound properly I would probably go with an interface and a cheap condenser like I have.. the Samson C01 is around $70 and is rock solid.. can’t go wrong with the mxl 770 either.. basically a condenser that uses phantom power is more reliable overall. So you could spend $150 on something like this.. or spend a little more (around $210) and get a great sound card like the scarlett 2i2 (which i also have & recommend).. https://homestudiobasics.com/focusrite-scarlett-2i2
https://homestudiobasics.com/best-home-studio-microphone-2-affordable-rugged-options

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