MXL 990/991 Condenser Microphone Package: Opinions?

  • Thread starter Thread starter jndietz
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jndietz

The Way It Moves
I was just wondering what your guys' opinions on this package was:

MXL 990/991 Condenser Microphone Package

I am looking for a/some condenser microphones, but I don't have a lot of money to spend. The reviews on these on MusiciansFriend seem good... Not to mention I get two for 90 bucks :)

Opinions?
 
Buy it!

I bought this mic package about a year and a half ago from Guitar Center. It was a deal I couldn't pass up. Since then, I have used both in different situations. The thing is, a mic is like a tool; every tool has it's uses. There have been times when I have swapped a KSM27 for the MXL and found the sound I was looking for. No mic is better than any other on it's own - it's all about the source, room and the sound you are looking for. Adding these MXLs to your arsenal cannot hurt you in the long run. It will only give you more room to create.
 
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I too walked into a Guitar Center during some big sale and walked out with this package (it was going for $50 at that time, and ended up walking out with a BLUE Ball as well). You can't beat what you're getting for the price. As with everything in home recording, quality is going up as price is going down. I happen to feel that if your performance is good, any microphone will capture that. So a large and small diaphram condensor package in a carrying case for less than $100? What's not to love?

Having said all that though, I would spring the extra $ for the shock mount for the large diaphram mic (I forget which model # is which). The shock isolation in the mic isn't great so if you were to bump the mic stand, it's going to come through the mic.

Sure, if I had thousands of dollars to spend of a Neumann U47 Tube mic, that would be spectacular, but I don't, so I'm happy with what I've got. (plus who wants to carry around a power supply)
 
What do intend on recording?

I'd say get them regardless. I've got 2 of these packs! (x2 990, x2 991). The 991 is the same as MXL's 603, which is adored by many.

If you're handy with a soldering iron, you could perform the "Cap Mod" to them, which will open up the top end some more and make it a bit more transparent. Heck, if you're really mechanically inclined you could mod the 990 with a real tube, that'd equal pretty noice sound!
 
I have that pack too...it's really nice for the money.
 
YUK! :D I like those SDC MXLs with the HPFs, though. Nice cheap pair!
 
why does everybody think the 990 is the same mic as the 603? why would a company make 2 of the same mic?

i got this package sometime a year or so ago. i use them sometimes to record live sets. as far as value? i thought about selling them but then realized i'd only get about $50 so i didn't bother. so i guess they're worth about $50 to me.
 
jaykeMURD said:
What do intend on recording?

I'd say get them regardless. I've got 2 of these packs! (x2 990, x2 991). The 991 is the same as MXL's 603, which is adored by many.

If you're handy with a soldering iron, you could perform the "Cap Mod" to them, which will open up the top end some more and make it a bit more transparent. Heck, if you're really mechanically inclined you could mod the 990 with a real tube, that'd equal pretty noice sound!
Click to expand...

Vocals, guitar/bass amps, and drums.
 
treymonfauntre said:
why does everybody think the 990 is the same mic as the 603? why would a company make 2 of the same mic?

i got this package sometime a year or so ago. i use them sometimes to record live sets. as far as value? i thought about selling them but then realized i'd only get about $50 so i didn't bother. so i guess they're worth about $50 to me.
Click to expand...

The 991 is very close (not identical) to the 603---I have both and have trouble telling them apart. They really do have the same character.

I can live without the 990---I never found a use for it that wasn't bettered by any other condenser I own. Some people do like it on their vocals and that's what makes purchasing any mic interesting.

Good luck,
Paj
8^)
 
Paj said:
The 991 is very close (not identical) to the 603---
I can live without the 990---I never found a use for it that wasn't bettered by any other condenser I own.
8^)
Click to expand...

I have two of these combos also. The 991 is great on violin and mandolin. The 990 I view as a couple of extra mics. $200 or less for 4 decent mics? What was the question again?
 
Mxl 990 is great for vocals in a home recording studio I dont use it for anything else though...i've recorded acoustic guitar with it once, turned out OK. I really do love it for vocals, but I am considering an upgrade from the 990. One things for sure, you'll be amazed in the quality the first time you hear it..
 
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