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MXL 990 Facts: 124 Specifications & 33 Highlights

The MXL 990 microphone shines in more ways than one. Check its 124 specs & features — especially the ones musicians actually care about, like general information, dimensions & weight, audio performance & connectivity & interfaces.

54 Points
MXL 990

Highlights 33

No extras. Just what matters.
54 Points

Why is MXL 990 better than other microphones ?

General Information

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Dimensions & Weight

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Audio Performance

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Connectivity & Interfaces

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Power & Battery

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Build & Design

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Package & Accessories

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Comparisons 24

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Quick Take

The essentials that matter—nothing extra

A fast snapshot of the MXL 990, covering its standout specification and what you can expect right out of the box.

MXL 990
MXL 990

The MXL 990 is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone known for its bright, detailed sound for vocals and instruments. It's a popular entry-level studio mic that delivers solid performance for home recording and voiceover use.

Specifications & Facts 124

Specs measured. Drama avoided.

Specs, price, pros, cons, and how the MXL 990 holds up against similar microphones. All 124 data points — including general information, dimensions & weight, audio performance & connectivity & interfaces — are in.

General Information 17

MXL 990 Product Type

What is the product type?

45 MXL 990 0 Votes Condenser

52 Microphones in this range Condenser

MXL 990
MXL 990

This product is a Condenser microphone, distinguished by its high sensitivity and wide frequency response, making it suitable for capturing nuances in sound.

Defines the basic category of the microphone.

MXL 990 Model Name

What is the model name?

52 MXL 990 0 Votes MXL 990

66 Microphones in this range Super 55 Deluxe

MXL 990
MXL 990

The model name of this microphone is MXL 990.

The specific product identifier from the manufacturer.

MXL 990 Intended Use

What is the intended use?

53 MXL 990 0 Votes Studio, Voice Recording, Instrument

70 Microphones in this range Studio, Live, Podcast, Broadcast, Instrument, Streaming

MXL 990
MXL 990

This microphone is primarily intended for Studio use, Voice Recording, and Instrument miking, highlighting its versatility in recording environments.

Describes the primary application area.

MXL 990 Compatibility

Which devices or platforms are compatible?

35 MXL 990 0 Votes Mixer, Audio Interface

64 Microphones in this range Mixer, Audio Interface, PA System

MXL 990
MXL 990

The microphone is compatible with standard audio equipment like a Mixer, Audio Interface, facilitating integration into various recording setups.

Lists supported platforms and devices.

MXL 990 Polar Pattern Type

What is the polar pattern type?

65 MXL 990 0 Votes Cardioid

69 Microphones in this range Cardioid

MXL 990
MXL 990

It features a Cardioid polar pattern, meaning it primarily picks up sound from the front while rejecting sound from the sides and rear, ideal for isolating vocals or instruments.

Identifies the default pickup pattern.

MXL 990 Mounting Type

What is the mounting type?

58 MXL 990 0 Votes Shock Mount, Stand, Boom Arm

53 Microphones in this range Clip

MXL 990
MXL 990

It supports multiple mounting types, including a Shock Mount, Stand, and Boom Arm, providing flexible placement options for studio or live applications.

The typical mounting or support style.

Dimensions & Weight 6

MXL 990 Height

What is the height?

5.11 inch 0Votes
MXL 990
5.42 inch (Average)

MXL 990
MXL 990

With a height of 5.11 inch (12.98 cm), the microphone is a standard size for studio condensers.

The microphone’s overall height.

MXL 990 Weight

What is the weight?

1.2 lbs 0Votes
MXL 990
0.87 lbs (Average)

MXL 990
MXL 990

Weighing in at 1.2 lbs (0.54 kg), this microphone is relatively lightweight, making it easy to position on a stand.

The microphone’s physical weight.

MXL 990 Mounting Thread Size

What is the mounting thread size?

95 MXL 990 0 Votes 5/8"

83 Microphones in this range 5/8"

MXL 990
MXL 990

It features a 5/8" mounting thread size, which is the standard for most microphone stands and shock mounts.

The thread size for mounting compatibility.

MXL 990 Capsule Diameter

What is the capsule diameter?

0.78 inch 0Votes
MXL 990
1.01 inch (Average)

The diameter of the microphone capsule.

MXL 990 Width

What is the width?

2.36 inch 0Votes
MXL 990
2.93 inch (Average)

The microphone’s overall width.

MXL 990 Depth

What is the depth?

2.36 inch 0Votes
MXL 990
2.68 inch (Average)

The microphone’s overall depth.

Audio Performance 20

MXL 990 Signal-to-Noise Ratio

What is the SNR?

80 dB 0Votes
MXL 990
75.24 dB (Average)

MXL 990
MXL 990

A signal-to-noise ratio of 80 dB indicates a clear audio signal with minimal background hiss, resulting in professional-quality recordings.

The clarity ratio between signal and background noise.

MXL 990 Stereo/Mono Mode

What mode is supported?

5 MXL 990 0 Votes Mono

13 Microphones in this range Mono

MXL 990
MXL 990

This microphone operates in Mono mode, capturing a single audio channel, which is typical for individual vocal or instrument recordings.

Determines recording mode.

MXL 990 Acoustic Principle

What is the acoustic principle?

65 MXL 990 0 Votes Pressure Gradient

62 Microphones in this range Pressure Gradient

MXL 990
MXL 990

Operating on the Pressure Gradient acoustic principle, this microphone is sensitive to changes in sound pressure, which is characteristic of condenser microphones.

The underlying sound capture mechanism.

MXL 990 Output Level

What is the output level?

-36.5 dBV/Pa 0Votes
MXL 990
-42.49 dBV/Pa (Average)

MXL 990
MXL 990

With an output level of -36.5 dBV/Pa, this microphone provides a strong signal that is easy to work with in most recording setups.

The output voltage relative to input pressure.

MXL 990 Internal Preamp Quality

What is the internal preamp quality?

43 MXL 990 0 Votes Standard

45 Microphones in this range Standard

MXL 990
MXL 990

Equipped with a Standard internal preamp, it provides reliable signal boosting before reaching your audio interface.

Describes the built-in preamp’s fidelity.

MXL 990 Transformer/Transformerless Design

What design does it use?

95 MXL 990 0 Votes Transformerless

90 Microphones in this range Transformerless

MXL 990
MXL 990

The microphone features a Transformerless design, which typically results in a flatter frequency response and lower noise floor compared to transformer-coupled designs.

The electrical coupling approach used.

Connectivity & Interfaces 10

MXL 990 Connection Interface

What is the connection interface?

35 MXL 990 0 Votes XLR

48 Microphones in this range XLR

MXL 990
MXL 990

The microphone connects via XLR, the industry standard for balanced analog audio connections, ensuring signal integrity and compatibility.

Defines the main interface for connectivity.

MXL 990 Phantom Power Support

Does it support phantom power?

Yes 0Votes MXL 990

Yes Microphones in this range

MXL 990
MXL 990

Phantom power support is enabled, indicating the microphone requires and can receive 48V phantom power from an XLR connection.

Whether the mic supports phantom power.

MXL 990 XLR Pin Configuration

What is the XLR pin configuration?

93 MXL 990 0 Votes Standard

95 Microphones in this range Standard

MXL 990
MXL 990

The microphone uses a Standard XLR pin configuration, ensuring broad compatibility with professional audio cables and equipment.

Specifies XLR wiring configuration.

MXL 990 Cable Detachable

Is the cable detachable?

Yes 0Votes MXL 990

Yes Microphones in this range

Whether the cable can be detached or replaced.

MXL 990 Audio Output Options

What are the audio output options?

58 MXL 990 0 Votes Analog, Balanced

63 Microphones in this range Analog, Balanced

Lists output signal formats available.

MXL 990 Balanced/Unbalanced Output

What is the output type?

35 MXL 990 0 Votes Balanced

28 Microphones in this range Balanced

Defines the type of electrical signal output.

Power & Battery 7

MXL 990 Power Consumption

What is the power consumption?

0.14 Watt 0Votes
MXL 990
1.06 Watt (Average)

MXL 990
MXL 990

The microphone has a power consumption of 0.14 Watt, which is efficient for phantom-powered devices.

Amount of power drawn during use.

MXL 990 Phantom Power Requirement

What is the phantom power requirement?

48 Volt 0Votes
MXL 990
37.82 Volt (Average)

MXL 990
MXL 990

The microphone requires 48 Volt phantom power for operation, a standard power supply for professional condenser microphones.

Specifies the phantom power voltage needed.

MXL 990 Power Source

What is the power source?

50 MXL 990 0 Votes Phantom

40 Microphones in this range Phantom

Defines how the microphone is powered.

MXL 990 Auto Power-Off

Does it have auto power-off?

No 0Votes MXL 990

Yes Microphones in this range

Whether the microphone shuts down automatically when idle.

MXL 990 Replaceable Battery Support

Does it support replaceable batteries?

No 0Votes MXL 990

Yes Microphones in this range

Indicates if batteries can be swapped.

MXL 990 External Power Supply Compatibility

Is it compatible with an external power supply?

No 0Votes MXL 990

Yes Microphones in this range

Can the mic run on external AC/DC supply.

Controls & Features 16

MXL 990 On/Off Switch

Does it include an on/off switch?

No 0Votes MXL 990

Yes Microphones in this range

Whether the microphone includes a physical on/off switch.

MXL 990 Mute Function

Does it have a mute function?

No 0Votes MXL 990

Yes Microphones in this range

Ability to mute audio directly on the mic.

MXL 990 Gain Control

Does it have gain control?

No 0Votes MXL 990

Yes Microphones in this range

Ability to adjust input gain directly.

MXL 990 Headphone Monitoring

Does it support headphone monitoring?

No 0Votes MXL 990

Yes Microphones in this range

Direct monitoring via headphone output.

MXL 990 Monitoring Mix Control

Does it have monitoring mix control?

No 0Votes MXL 990

Yes Microphones in this range

Lets user adjust mic vs playback audio mix.

MXL 990 Touch/Motion Controls

Does it support touch/motion controls?

No 0Votes MXL 990

Yes Microphones in this range

Allows interaction via touch gestures or motion.

Build & Design 16

MXL 990 Shock Mount

Is a shock mount included?

Yes 0Votes MXL 990

Yes Microphones in this range

MXL 990
MXL 990

A shock mount is included, which helps to isolate the microphone from vibrations and handling noise, ensuring cleaner recordings.

Whether a shock mount is included to reduce vibrations.

MXL 990 Grill Material

What is the grill material?

55 MXL 990 0 Votes Metal

60 Microphones in this range Metal

MXL 990
MXL 990

The microphone features a Metal grill, offering durability and protection for the sensitive capsule.

The material of the protective mic grill.

MXL 990 Body Material

What is the body material?

75 MXL 990 0 Votes Metal

64 Microphones in this range Metal

The main structural material of the microphone body.

MXL 990 Finish/Coating

What finish/coating does it have?

55 MXL 990 0 Votes Rugged Metal

66 Microphones in this range Matte

Exterior treatment or surface finish.

MXL 990 Detachable Mount

Is the mount detachable?

Yes 0Votes MXL 990

Yes Microphones in this range

If the mount can be detached for flexibility.

MXL 990 Swivel/Pivot Capability

Does it have swivel/pivot capability?

Yes 0Votes MXL 990

Yes Microphones in this range

Whether the microphone head or stand can rotate.

Package & Accessories 12

MXL 990 Instruction Manual

Is an instruction manual included?

Yes 0Votes MXL 990

Yes Microphones in this range

MXL 990
MXL 990

An instruction manual is included to guide users through the microphone's setup and operation.

Whether a manual or quick-start guide is included.

MXL 990 Packaging Type

What is the packaging type?

55 MXL 990 0 Votes Hard Case

18 Microphones in this range Box

MXL 990
MXL 990

The microphone is packaged in a Hard Case, providing robust protection for the equipment.

Defines how the product is packaged.

MXL 990 Warranty Card

Is a warranty card included?

Yes 0Votes MXL 990

Yes Microphones in this range

MXL 990
MXL 990

A warranty card is supplied, outlining the terms and conditions for product support and repairs.

Whether a warranty card is included.

MXL 990 Stand/Tripod

Is a stand/tripod included?

No 0Votes MXL 990

Yes Microphones in this range

Whether a stand or tripod is included in the box.

MXL 990 Cables

Are cables included?

No 0Votes MXL 990

Yes Microphones in this range

Indicates if connecting cables are provided.

MXL 990 Carrying Case

Is there a carrying case included?

Yes 0Votes MXL 990

Yes Microphones in this range

Whether a protective carrying case is part of the package.

Certification & Compliance 6

MXL 990 Warranty

What is the warranty period?

1 years 0Votes
MXL 990
1.73 years (Average)

MXL 990
MXL 990

The microphone comes with a 1-year warranty, providing coverage for manufacturing defects.

Duration of manufacturer warranty coverage.

MXL 990 Safety Compliance

Is it safety compliant?

No 0Votes MXL 990

Yes Microphones in this range

Indicates adherence to safety regulations.

MXL 990 Environmental Compliance

Is it environmentally compliant?

No 0Votes MXL 990

Yes Microphones in this range

Compliance with eco/environmental regulations.

MXL 990 FCC/CE Approval

Is it FCC/CE approved?

No 0Votes MXL 990

Yes Microphones in this range

Explicit FCC/CE compliance approval.

MXL 990 RoHS Compliance

Is it RoHS compliant?

Yes 0Votes MXL 990

Yes Microphones in this range

Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive compliance.

MXL 990 Professional Broadcast Certification

Is it broadcast certified?

No 0Votes MXL 990

Yes Microphones in this range

Indicates if the mic meets pro broadcast standards.

Advanced Features 14

MXL 990 Multi-Pattern Switching

Does it support multi-pattern switching?

No 0Votes MXL 990

Yes Microphones in this range

Ability to switch between multiple pickup patterns.

MXL 990 DSP Processing

Does it include DSP processing?

No 0Votes MXL 990

Yes Microphones in this range

Built-in digital signal processing for sound shaping.

MXL 990 Surround Capture Mode

Does it support surround capture?

No 0Votes MXL 990

Yes Microphones in this range

Ability to capture immersive 360° or surround sound.

MXL 990 Firmware Upgrade Support

Does it support firmware upgrades?

No 0Votes MXL 990

Yes Microphones in this range

Ability to update functionality via firmware.

MXL 990 Dual Capsule Blending

Does it support dual capsule blending?

No 0Votes MXL 990

Yes Microphones in this range

Blends outputs of dual capsules for tonal flexibility.

MXL 990 AI Noise Cancellation

Does it feature AI noise cancellation?

No 0Votes MXL 990

Yes Microphones in this range

AI-powered suppression of background noise.

Surveys

Because hot takes deserve votes.

MXL 990 Sound Quality

How would you rate the sound quality of this microphone?

Crisp and professional 0Votes
Good and clear 0Votes
Average clarity 0Votes
Distorted and unclear 0Votes

MXL 990 Noise Handling

How well does this microphone handle background noise?

Blocks out most noise 0Votes
Handles noise fairly well 0Votes
Reduces some noise 0Votes
Picks up everything 0Votes

MXL 990 Battery Life

How long does the battery last on this microphone?

Excellent — Over 20 hours 0Votes
Long lasting — 10 to 20 hours 0Votes
Decent — 5 to 10 hours 0Votes
Short — 2 to 5 hours 0Votes
Very short — Under 2 hours 0Votes

MXL 990 Durability

How durable is this microphone based on build and lifespan?

Highly durable — Over 4 years 0Votes
Solid — 2 to 4 years 0Votes
Average — 1 to 2 years 0Votes
Very fragile — Less than 1 year 0Votes

MXL 990 Weight

How heavy is this microphone?

Ultra-light — Under 150 grams 0Votes
Lightweight — 150 to 300 grams 0Votes
Medium — 300 to 500 grams 0Votes
Heavy — 500 to 800 grams 0Votes
Very heavy — Over 800 grams 0Votes

MXL 990 Design Appeal

How attractive is the design of this microphone?

Plain and boring 0Votes
Somewhat okay 0Votes
Nice looking 0Votes
Stylish and modern 0Votes

MXL 990 Pricing

How do you feel about the price of this microphone?

Great value for money 0Votes
Pretty good price 0Votes
Fair deal 0Votes
Kinda pricey 0Votes
Crazy expensive 0Votes

MXL 990 Sensitivity

How sensitive is this microphone to capturing sound?

Very sensitive — Detects quiet sounds clearly 0Votes
Sensitive — Captures a wide sound range 0Votes
Moderate — Picks up normal voice levels well 0Votes
Low — Needs to be close to sound source 0Votes
Very low — Struggles to capture soft voices 0Votes

MXL 990 Frequency Response Range

What do you think about the frequency response range of this microphone?

Wide range — 20 Hz to 20 kHz 0Votes
Good range — 30 Hz to 18 kHz 0Votes
Decent range — 40 Hz to 16 kHz 0Votes
Limited range — 50 Hz to 14 kHz 0Votes
Narrow range — Above 60 Hz only 0Votes

MXL 990 Connectivity

How stable and reliable is the connection of this microphone?

Excellent — Always stable, no dropouts 0Votes
Good — Works smoothly with rare issues 0Votes
Decent — Occasional minor disconnections 0Votes
Weak — Disconnects sometimes 0Votes
Poor — Frequently loses connection 0Votes

Guides 1

Yes, we brought proof.

Files 1

MXL 990 Manual

mxlmics.com
mxlmics.com

Reviews 0

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Average Rating

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MXL
MXL 990
MXL 990
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