Review MXL 990/991 Mics

Hi folks! Long time no "see".

I thought I might review my condenser microphones that I use mainly to record acoustic guitars and vocals. The microphones I'm thinking of is the MXL 990 and 991 condenser microphones. These I purchased together in a package for about 100 dollars. The package includes a high-impact carrying case and mic stand adapters.

MXL 990

The MXL 990 is a large diaphragm condenser microphone with a cardioid polar pattern. This microphone is perfect for recording vocals due to the sweet high end and tight solid bass. This microphone is way beyond what you will get in this price range. You can purchase the microphone for about 50 dollars. If you buy the 990/991 kit, then you might get if for about 80 dollars. The quality of this microphone is so great that you could actually record your album in a professional way, at least with a good pre-amp.

Specifications

Tube type: Pressure gradient condenser microphone

Diaphragm: 6 micron gold-sputtered

Frequency Response: 30 Hz - 20 kHz

Polar Pattern: Cardioid

Sensitivity: 15mV/Pa

Impedance: 200 ohms

Equivalent Noise Level: 20 dB (A-weighted IEC 268-4)

S/N Ratio: 80 dB (Ref. 1Pa A-weighted)

Max SPL .5% THD: 130 dB

Power Requirements: Phantom Power 48V (+- 4V)

Current Consumption: <3.0mA

Size: 60mm x 130mm / 2,36 in. x 5,11 in.
Weight: 1,2 lbs / 544,3g
Metal Finish: Champagne

MXL 991

The MXL 991 is a small diaphragm condenser microphone. It is definately not the greatest small diaphragm microphone in the world, but for the price, it's going to be hard to beat! The microphone can be used to record acoustic instruments and drum overheads. I would recommend acoustic guitar. I haven't used this microphone that much due to that I prefer the 990 to record my acoustic guitar and vocals.

Specifications

Tube type: Pressure gradient condenser microphone

Diaphragm: 20mm

Frequency Response: 30 Hz - 18 kHz

Polar Pattern: Cardioid

Sensitivity: 15mV/Pa

Impedance: 110 ohms

Equivalent Noise Level: 20 dB (A-weighted IEC 268-4)

S/N Ratio: 78 dB (Ref. 1Pa A-weighted)

Max SPL .5% THD: 137 dB

Power Requirements: Phantom Power 48V (+- 4V)

Current Consumption: <3.0mA
Size: 22mm x 134mm
Weight: 0,35 lbs / 158 g
Metal Finish: Champagne

I use the 990 to record my acoustic guitar. You can hear it in the first video below!
I have also used it to record vocal. This you can also hear in the second video below!

If you have any questions about the microphones, feel free to comment in the comment section below!

-Kianul