If You're Building Your First Mic Locker, Start Here!
Home recordists building their first mic locker will find entry-level ecstasy in the MXL 990/991 recording microphone package. This value-packed bundle includes the venerable 990 large-diaphragm condenser — MXL's take on a tried-and-true, German-style microphone. Ideal for vocal recordings, the 990 delivers a neutral, balanced sound with a flattering sizzle that's sure to please. This package also includes the 991, a small-diaphragm condenser that's tailor-made for recording in tight bedroom studios. Position the 991 in front of your acoustic guitar or above a drum kit, and you'll experience a sound that far surpasses the microphone's modest price tag. The MXL 990/991 package comes with a high-impact carrying case and mic stand adapters.
Related Videos: 990/991 Recording Microphone Package
990 Large-diaphragm Condenser
Home recordists searching for a high-quality — yet eminently budget-friendly — condenser microphone will find exactly what they are looking for in the MXL 990. Centered around a gold-sputtered, 6-micron diaphragm, this mic employs all discrete components, which include a battle-tested, German-style transformerless circuit with a FET preamp and bipolar transistors. The 990 makes an excellent cardioid vocal mic, imparting a neutral and balanced sound with enough bottom end for radio-ready voice-overs and enough sizzle to make your tracks pop. It also lends a nice silky sheen to acoustic instruments. The 990 vaunts a durable housing with vintage styling and an attention-grabbing champagne finish.
Features:
- High-quality — yet eminently budget-friendly — FET condenser microphone
- Houses MXL's version of a tried-and-true, German-style transformerless circuit
- Gold-sputtered, 6-micron diaphragm with a fixed cardioid polar pattern
- Delivers a predominantly flat response from 30Hz–20kHz
- Gentle 8kHz presence peak ensures articulate, intelligible vocals without harshness
- Great for vocals, voice-overs, and acoustic instruments
991 Small-diaphragm Condenser
If you're recording acoustic instruments on a budget, you'll be hard pressed to surpass the quality of the MXL 991. This pencil condenser includes a gold-sputtered, 6-micron diaphragm and a wide cardioid polar pattern. The 991 is tailor-made for close-quarter applications, thanks to its compact profile, and its 30Hz–18kHz frequency range captures everything you plant in front of it with an impressive level of detail. Here at Sweetwater, we're impressed by the 991's top-end smoothness. While this small-diaphragm microphone injects your tracks with enough high-frequency presence to make them stand out, it does so without becoming strident. Recording drums? A stereo pair of 991s makes excellent low-cost overheads.
Features:
- High-quality, value-laden small-diaphragm pencil condenser
- Gold-sputtered, 6-micron diaphragm with a wide cardioid polar pattern
- Compact profile is tailor-made for close-quarter applications
- 30Hz–18kHz frequency range captures sources with an impressive level of detail
- Smooth high-frequency response adds presence without becoming strident
- Great for acoustic instruments and drum overheads
