Thoughts on XML990 vs. 603?

[Newbie-Doo]

I just picked up an XML990 because that is all I could afford right now. But after hearing all the rave reviews for the 603 I am wondering If I should have waited and bought one of those instead.

I'll be using it for Vocals, Acoustic, and drum overhead, maybe Guitar cab mic depending on if it sounds better than my sm57.

How do the 990 and 603 compare soundwise?

I'll be plugging these into a DMP3 to a Gina20 if that makes a diff. one way or the other.

Thanks

 

[DJL]

I just picked up an XML990 because that is all I could afford right now. But after hearing all the rave reviews for the 603 I am wondering If I should have waited and bought one of those instead.

I'll be using it for Vocals, Acoustic, and drum overhead, maybe Guitar cab mic depending on if it sounds better than my sm57.

How do the 990 and 603 compare soundwise?

I'll be plugging these into a DMP3 to a Gina20 if that makes a diff. one way or the other.

Thanks

The Marshall MXL990 and MXL603S don't sound anything like each other... IMO, the MLX990 sucks on vocals and is not as good as the MXL603S on acoustic guitar or drum overheads. Sorry, I wish I had better news for you... but, that's my opinion.

 

[sdsi]

Here is an artist recorded using an MXL 990

 

[Newbie-Doo]

Nice work SDSI. That's the best recording I've heard here. Clean and tight.

I'm a newbie and don't really have much studio experience but there doesn't appear to be any "room" sound in there. How do you keep it so clean?

 

[sdsi]

Nice work SDSI. That's the best recording I've heard here. Clean and tight.

I'm a newbie and don't really have much studio experience but there doesn't appear to be any "room" sound in there. How do you keep it so clean?

Thank you for the compliment. To achieve that "dead room" sound I just use close miking. I put a pop filter in front of the mic about 6 inches and have the artist sing directly into the pop filter. I also try to stay away from using compression or eq. The beauty of being a newbie is that you are more likely to experiment often. Just 'cause i use that technique to achieve that sound doesn't mean you HAVE to. Experiment often! I hope to hear some advice from you in the future.

 

[Gidge]

sdsi,

nice track all around......what tracks did u use the 990 on and what pre did you go thru?.........

 

[sdsi]

sdsi,

nice track all around......what tracks did u use the 990 on and what pre did you go thru?.........

Thanks, Gidge. The 990 was only used on the vocals. The pre used was a Behringer ada8000!?! Sometimes I read the reviews of these two pieces of equipment here and feel as if I'm getting away with murder.

 

[Gidge]

i have the 990 and on my voice (which sucks as it is) it wasnt really flattering.....i liked it on acoustic guitar though.......it did well on this voice.......

 

[Sklathill]

Dude, nothing wrong with the ADA8000. Unless you have a really weak mic and require high levels of gain, there's nothing wrong with it.

And I agree...nice job on that recording. Sure, gear X might be better than gear Y, but using it well is always the key...

Just some gear is easier to use well.