MXL
MXL 990
Large-diaphragm condenser (FET), cardioid, side-address
Power Phantom 48 V ±4 V.
- Type
- Condenser
- Pattern
- Cardioid
- Sensitivity
- −36.5 dBV/Pa computed
- Self-noise
- 20 dB(A)
- Among 258 condensers: quieter than 23%
- Among 272 mics: quieter than 23%
- Max SPL
- 130 dB SPL
- Among 277 condensers: takes louder sound than 18%
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 16%
- Rated range
- 20 – 20k Hz
vs 99 side-address condensers
Quieter than 5% of 99 side-address condensers.
Each stripe is one side-address condenser with a published self-noise, and each bar counts them; further right means quieter. This mic is in blue.
vs 107 side-address condensers
Takes louder sound than 24% of 107 side-address condensers.
Each stripe is one side-address condenser with a published max SPL, and each bar counts them; further right means it takes louder sound. This mic is in blue.
Instruments sources recommend it for most
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
From the manual, p. 2.
Titled "Frequency Chart"; dB scale +20 to -30, relative. Distance, room and smoothing not stated.
Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.
In practice
All specs
| From the manual | ||
|---|---|---|
| Capsule | 22 mm capsule, 6 micron gold-sputtered diaphragm"6 micron gold-sputtered"; "This microphone has a 22mm capsule with a gold-sputtered diaphragm". The 2007 sheet says "large 20 mm. diaphragm capsule". | p. 2 |
| Sensitivity | −36.5 dBV/Pa (15 mV/Pa)Not stated by the manufacturer: Converted from "15mV/Pa" (20 log10 0.015 = -36.5). | |
| Self-noise | 20 dB(A)A-weighted, IEC 268-4. "Equivalent Noise Level: 20 dB (A-weighted IEC 268-4)". | |
| Max SPL | 130 dB SPL0.5% THD. "Max SPL for .5% THD: 130 dB". | |
| Output impedance | 200 ohm | |
| Rated frequency range | 20 Hz to 20 kHzalso [30, 20000], 2007 sheet ("Frequency Range"). "Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz". The 2007 sheet gives "30Hz-20kHz". | |
| Powering | phantom 48 V ±4 V"Phantom power 48V (+- 4V)". | |
| Weight | 544.3 g"544.3g / 1.2 lbs". | |
| Dimensions | 60 × 130 mm"60mm x 130mm / 2.36 in. x 5.11 in"; not said which is which (diameter × length, presumably). | |
| Supplied accessories | custom shock mount; mic stand adapter; carrying case"Contents". The product page names them MXL90 shock mount and MXLMT001 hard mount. | |
| Metal finish | Champagne | |
| Care | Use a pop filter or foam windscreen for vocals closer than 3" (8 cm); store with the silica gel packet | |
| Warranty | One year | p. 1 |
| From the manual (Recording Hacks copy) | ||
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 80 dBre 1 Pa, A-weighted. "S/N Ratio: 80dB (Ref. 1Pa A-weighted)". Not in the 2024 manual. | p. 1 |
| Current draw | 3 mAless than. "Current Consumption: <3.0mA". Not in the 2024 manual. | |
| From the product page | ||
| Electronics | FET preamp, balanced output | p. 1 |
Documents
- 990 Pressure-Gradient Condenser Microphonemanual
- MXL 990 Condenser microphonedata and warranty sheet
- 990product page
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents). Each is © MXL, unchanged, with its original address.
Recommended for
By recording guides, engineers and mic makers, for this mic or an earlier version of it.