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990 Microphone Sets
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Mods for the 990
- OktavaMod
Michael Joly’s “Hidden ‘84 Mod” alters the MXL 990’s stock capsule mounting and grille to reduce diffraction and “eshiness,” removes two layers of headbasket screening to reduce muddying reflections, and upgrades key electronic components. Results include tighter, deeper bass, reduced midrange phase shift, improved HF and transient response. - Microphone Parts
The MXL 990’s stock small-diaphragm capsule can be easily swapped for a large-diaphragm model, whether K47, K67, or CK-12 types, from Microphone-Parts.com.
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Pricing & Availability
- MSRP: $200
- Street: $80
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Reviews & News
- Mojo Pie rvw, 2006-08
- SoundOnSound, 2005-08
- 990 to Ribbon Mic Conversion
- List of DIY 603/990 mod info
- DIY mod capsule choices
990 Documentation
MXL 990
Cardioid Condenser Microphone
The MXL 990 is a medium-diaphragm, fixed-cardioid, transformerless FET condenser with an externally-biased 17mm gold diaphragm (in a 22mm-diameter capsule).
It shares a circuit and components with several other MXL products, notably the 603S and SP1, although the 990’s capsule is mounted within a brass baffle ring that affects the capsule’s frequency response and polar pattern.
As a part of MXL’s “900 Series,” this mic is distributed exclusively by Guitar Center and its various online sales divisions.
SoundOnSound, 2005
As a vocal mic, the MXL 990 produces a subjectively neutral and nicely balanced sound with just a hint of high-end sizzle that can help out vocalists who have difficulty getting the definition they need.
The 990 is a good platform for modding. It shares a capsule design and a circuit design with numerous other MXL microphones. Like many imported microphones, it responds favorably to physical modifications such as:
- Removing 1-2 layers of the 3-layer grille.
- Damping the inside of the mic body to reduce mechanical resonance.
It also provides a good platform for new large-diaphragm capsules; see a list of aftermarket large-diaphragm capsules that could be installed relatively easily.
The relatively simple amplifier circuit (a derivative of a circuit developed initially by Schoeps and copied by countless other manufacturers) is compromised by the use of inferior electronic components, which can be upgraded to good effect.
See the sidebar for links to DIY and commercial mod options. Note that the Rickshaw Records DIY ribbon mod plans includes a step-by-step photo guide to disassembling the 990 — useful whether you intend to install a ribbon transducer or not.
Because the 990’s circuit is identical to the 603S, any electronic mod for the 603S should be applicable to the 990 as well.
See also the “GenChinaMod.pdf” schematic in the Zapnspark folder. (You would need to join the “micbuilders” group to access this file.)
Permalink: MXL 990
Specifications
| Frequency Response - CardioidClick Graph to Compare! |
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| Pickup Patterns | Pads & Filters |
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Cardioid
(15 mV/Pa; 30 - 20,000 Hz) |
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| Capsule Dimensions | Impedance | SPL/Noise |
|---|---|---|
| Diaphragm diameter: 17mm Capsule diameter: 22mm Diaphragm gauge: 6 microns |
200 Ohms (Low) | Max SPL: 130 dB Self-noise: 20.0 dB(A) |
| Weight | Length | Max Diameter | Interface(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 544g (19.19oz) | 130mm (5.12'') | 60mm (2.36'') |
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| Power Specifications |
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