MXL
MXL 993
Instrument condenser (pressure gradient), cardioid, with switchable 100 Hz high-pass filter and 10 dB pad
Approximate Some readings for this mic are uncertain; see the graphs.
Power Phantom 48 V ±4 V.
- Type
- Condenser
- Pattern
- Cardioid
- Sensitivity
- −40 dBV/Pa computed
- Self-noise
- 18 dB(A)
- Among 258 condensers: quieter than 33%
- Among 272 mics: quieter than 32%
- Max SPL
- 134 dB SPL
- Among 277 condensers: takes louder sound than 33%
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 30%
- Rated range
- 30 – 20k Hz
vs 104 end-address condensers
Quieter than 34% of 104 end-address condensers.
Each stripe is one end-address condenser with a published self-noise, and each bar counts them; further right means quieter. This mic is in blue.
vs 110 end-address condensers
Takes louder sound than 27% of 110 end-address condensers.
Each stripe is one end-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. 1. Approximate
Untitled graph on the sheet, 125 Hz to about 20 kHz; dB scale -20 to "20" with no unit (relative, 0 dB through 1 kHz). Nothing below 125 Hz is drawn. Distance, room and smoothing not stated.
Approximate: reading error up to about 1 dB.
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 | 20 mm or 22 mm gold-sputtered diaphragm (the sheet gives both)Data: "Condenser pressure gradient mic with large 20 mm diaphragm"; text: "a twenty-two millimetre gold-sputtered diaphragm". | p. 1 |
| Sensitivity | −40 dBV/Pa (10 mV/Pa)Not stated by the manufacturer: Converted from "10mV/Pa" (20 log10 0.010 = -40). | |
| Self-noise | 18 dB(A)A-weighted, IEC 268-4. "Equivalent Noise: 18dB(A weighted IEC 268-4)". | |
| Max SPL | 134 dB SPL0.5% THD. "Max SPL for 0.5% THD: 134dB"; whether with the pad is not stated. | |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 80 dBre 1 Pa, A-weighted. "S/N Ratio: 80dB (Ref. 1Pa A-weighted)". | |
| Output impedance | 200 ohm"Impedance: 200 ohms". | |
| Rated frequency range | 30 Hz to 20 kHz"Frequency Range: 30Hz-20kHz". | |
| Powering | phantom 48 V ±4 V"Phantom Power 48V ±4V". | |
| Current draw | 3 mAless than. "Current Consumption: <3.0mA". | |
| Low cut | off, 100 Hz, 6 dB/octave; 100 Hz; 6 dB/octave"High Pass Filter: 6dB/octave, 100HZ switchable". | |
| Pad | −10 dB"Attenuation Switch: 0/-10dB". | |
| Weight | 340 gNot stated by the manufacturer: Converted from "0.75 lb" (340.2 g). | |
| Dimensions | 24 × 215 mm"Size: 24mm x 215mm"; stored as diameter × length (presumably). | |
| Finish | champagne"Metal Finish: Champagne". | |
| Models | MXL 993 and MXL993SPR (the sheet covers both; what SPR adds is not said) | |
| Warranty | Three years from purchase | |
Documents
- MXL 993 / MXL993SPR Instrument Condenser microphonedata and warranty sheet
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.