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MXL 990
MXL

MXL 990

Bottom line: The MXL 990 is a specs-and-price decision rather than a crowd-consensus one in the streaming gear category. Check the specification table below against one or two close alternatives — on price and spec fit, not on star ratings.

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By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014, focused on GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference. Synthesises community benchmarks, manufacturer specs, and public forum data into actionable buying guides.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ High-quality — yet eminently budget-friendly — FET condenser microphone
  • ✓ Backed by MXL's warranty and support channels

Cons

  • ✗ Check the listed dimensions, connectors and platform compatibility against your setup before ordering
  • ✗ Price, stock, shipping and returns are set by the retailer and may have changed since this page was last updated

Manufacturer description

This MXL 990 Large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone is in good condition. Microphone has been tested and is fully operable. There is slight wear on the outer casing, and one large chip along the bottom edge of the outer casing.Features

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored MXL 990 using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the streaming gear category. MXL's streaming gear lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for streaming gear of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Key Features

  • High-quality — yet eminently budget-friendly — FET condenser microphone
  • Houses MXL's version of a tried-and-true, German-style transformerless circuit
  • Gold-sputtered, 6-micron diaphragm with a fixed cardioid polar pattern
  • Delivers a predominantly flat response from 30Hz–20kHz
  • Gentle 8kHz presence peak ensures articulate, intelligible vocals without harshness

Full Specifications

BrandMXL
Model Name990
Model Number990
Power SourcePhantom Powered
Audible Noise80 Decibels
Polar PatternUnidirectional
Built-In Mediabattery, warranty card
Connector TypeXLR
Mfr Part Number990
Special FeatureStand
Antenna LocationSinging
Compatible DevicesPersonal Computer, Laptop
Enclosure MaterialNylon
Frequency Response30 Hz
Number of Channels1
Included Componentsbattery, warranty card
Warranty Description2 Year Limited Warranty
Signal-to-Noise Ratio80 dB
Microphone Form FactorLarge Diaphragm
Connectivity TechnologyXLR

Ready to buy?

MXL 990 is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

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MXL 990
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