Are you seeking an optimal audio experience? Dive deep into our MXL 990 review. This comprehensive article offers an in-depth analysis of the renowned MXL 990 microphone, highlighting its standout abilities and unique features. We reveal why this microphone is turning heads in studios around the world.
If you are curious about adding a professional touch to your audio, look no further. The MXL 990 captures sound with exceptional clarity and detail which pushes it ahead in the game. Renowned for its sleek design too, this mic is indeed compact yet powerfully built to deliver without compromise.
Specification Table of MXL 990:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Condenser Microphone |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz – 20kHz |
| Sensitivity | 15mV/Pa |
| Output Impedance | 200 ohms |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 80 dB (Ref. 1Pa A-weighted) |
| Equivalent Noise | 20 dB (A-weighted IEC 268-4) |
| Maximum SPL | 130 dB |
| Power Requirements | Phantom Power 48V (+- 4V) |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs/544.31 g |
| Size | 60mm x 130mm |
| Metal Finish | Champagne |
Unboxing
Unboxing new equipment can sometimes feel like a celebration, and this is certainly the case with the MXL 990. The first impression of this microphone is all about class. The box it arrives in holds a promise of quality, packaged simply yet elegantly.
The moment you open the box, you find your brand new MXL 990 microphone nestled safely within an enclosed travel case. This storage solution not only helps to keep your precious mic protected but also hints at the portability of the device.
Within this case, besides the gleaming MXL 990, there are also additional items designed to enhance your user experience. There’s a very handy microphone stand adapter, enabling quick mounting on most common stand types out there. It ensures you can put up your MXL 990 and start recording without wasting any time.
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Compact and Sleek Design
Part of the charm of the MXL 990 microphone is its compact and sleek design. A stunning blend of aesthetic allure and practical design make this microphone a standout choice for numerous users. Let’s take an in-depth examination:
- Size and Weight: The compact size of the MXL 990 is much appreciated by users, especially by those who need to move their equipment regularly. It measures approximately 60mm×130mm, making it rather handy. Additionally, weighing only about 1.2 lbs (545g), it indeed a lightweight choice that adds to its portability.
- Quality Manufacturing: Appealing at first glance, the microphone showcases top-notch manufacturing quality. The toughness of the solid metal body combined with its satin finish gives off an expensive feel despite it being an affordable mic.
- Convenience: Essential elements like having a standardized thread at its base for easy fixing onto any standard stand or boom arm make setting up hassle-free! This feature is specifically designed for users’ convenience.
- Design Elegance: In terms of color options, you get two traditional ones: champagne and midnight. Whether you appreciate the smart attractiveness of champagne or prefer the deep elegance midnight , there’s undoubtedly a perfect one for each individual.
Exceptional Sound Quality
When talking about the sound quality, the most striking feature of the MXL 990 microphone is its incredible balance. The audio resolution it affords is nothing short of exceptional, enabling a range of frequencies to be reproduced with absolute clarity.
- The Audio Resolution: One thing that seems clear from this MXL 990 review is the amount of care that went into designing a device capable of handling such high resolution. The delicate yet robust nature of these microphones provides users with a detailed sound quality and an experience unlike any other.
- Sound Reproduction: With MXL 990, recorded sounds are vividly reproduced no matter how high or low they are. It’s as if you’re listening to sounds directly from their source rather than through a recording device. It provides clear and vivid sounds which make your recording or live performance top notch.
Connectivity
When we talk about what sets the MXL 990 apart from its competitors, one major area it shines in is its superior array of connectivity options. This microphone offers an impressive set of features designed to make audio recording a seamless experience. Now let’s dive in and discuss these options more deeply:
- XLR Connector: The MXL 990 comes with a 3-pin XLR connector. This type of connection is widely praised for its high quality and its ability to deliver clear, crisp sound without any interference. It’s important in professional audio applications since it ensures solid and reliable connections.
- Phantom Power Requirement: To power up this microphone, you would need a 48V phantom power. While some might view this as a con due to the necessity for additional equipment, it’s actually quite standard for condenser microphones like the MXL 990. Plus, this requirement ensures the continued high performance of the unit.
From these points, we can see that the MXL 990 excels with connectivity options that are both user-friendly and highly effective. Whether you’re an experienced user or someone just starting out in audio recording or broadcasting, these features make working with this microphone an absolute joy!
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Features
- Easy-To-Use: One of the key features that make MXL 990 stand out is its user-friendly design. Even if you’re a newbie in the world of professional audio recording, you can still manage to use this microphone with ease. There are no complex buttons, settings or menus – just a simple and straightforward operation.
- High-Quality Sound: The MXL 990 brings studio-quality sound to your home recording setup. This is due to its large diaphragm, which captures even the minutest details in audio performance. You get a clear and full-bodied sound every time you record.
- Compact & Lightweight: For those would like to travel around with their microphone, MXL 990 got it covered! It’s very compact in size and lightweight, making it easy to carry wherever you need it.
- Built To Last: When it comes to durability, the MXL 990 does not disappoint either. Made from high-quality materials, this mic can withstand rough handling and daily use without compromising on functionality or performance.
- Versatile Compatibility: Whether your workstation runs on Windows or Mac – worry not! The MXL 990 provides versatile compatibility options for various operating systems.
In a nutshell, the features of the MXL 990 definitely live up to its reputation as being one of the best studio condenser microphones in its price range.
Who is the MXL 990 Best Suited For?
The MXL 990 microphone is not just an ordinary piece of equipment. It flaunts excellence in its audio quality, which captures every minute sound detail. Now the main question arises, who exactly benefits the most from this specific product? Let’s delve into it:
- Podcasters: Podcasters require clear and top-notch audio quality for their shows. The stronger and clearer the audio, the better impression they leave on their audience. The MXL 990 offers exceptional sound clarity that’s amazingly suitable for recording podcasts.
- Musicians and Singers: Musicians or singers need a microphone that captures their vocals in a clear and rich manner without distortions. With MXL 990’s high-quality sound reproduction, it caters to these needs perfectly making it an optimal choice for musicians and singers alike.
- Voice-Over Artists: For voice-over artists who depend upon vocal clarity and expression to perform well in their profession, using a reliable microphone such as the MXL 990 is essential.
- Broadcasting Professionals: When broadcasting live shows where vocal legibility stands out as an important factor, having a durable and reliable microphone like the MLX 990 might just be what professionals in this field need.
It should be noted that while MXL 990 brings remarkable perks with its usage, its wholesome benefits can only be enjoyed if used properly according to one’s needs. So whether you’re a budding musician or established podcaster, remember it is not just about owning good equipment but also about utilizing them accurately for fulfilling your audio pursuits.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Superb Sound Quality | Slightly Heavy in Weight |
| Budget-Friendly | Needs Phantom Power |
| Comes with a Shock Mount | Not Ideal for On-location Recording |
| Sleek and Compact Design | Might Require Additional Accessories |
Conclusion
Looking at all angles in this MXL 990 review, it is safe to say that this microphone does justice to its acclaimed reputation. Its dynamic features powered by the superior sound quality make it an exceptional choice for audio professionals and alike. The sleek design, matched with remarkable connectivity options, proves that the MXL 990 is a reliable and versatile tool for recording needs.
A minor setback could be the absence of a USB interface. However, the overall high-performing aspects of the MXL 990 easily outweigh this minor drawback. Therefore, whether you are an aspiring podcaster or a seasoned musician in search for solid audio equipment, giving the MXL 990 a try could be your best decision.
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