Mxl 990 ?!?

[jshebell]

I bought an MXL 990 about two weeks ago for $60 and liked it so much I just got another one. I haven't done much audio work for over a decade, so my ears are not to be trusted. I'll be using them mostly for narration, but I'll probably try acoustic guitar, also. My question is, I hope, simple. Since I don't have much to compare them to, how would folks with broader experience characterize the 990's? As I said, I'm surprised at how good they seem to sound for the money, but I'm also a little concerned that I'm old enough so that I simply no longer have discriminating hearing.

I'd really appreciate any inputs. I need some calibration. Thanks in advance.

 

[DJL]

The 990 has the same capsule as the 603S but sounds much different... the 990 is ok on some guitar amps and some screeming type vocalist... but other than that, IMO the 990 sucks... but it is a pretty mic.

 

[Rossi]

I think the 990 is a pretty decent mic. It definetly sounds different from most other low cost mics. There's less top end sizzle, and the bass rather tight, but the midrange is good and reasonably natural. And the midrange is usually what counts (e.g. on the radio). Many beginning engineers and home recorders are overly obsessed with hi and low end, I think.

The overall quality including the shockmound is good, too. The SP B1 has nicer electronics, though.

 

[Big Kenny]

uck
In His Name
BK