Part 1 - MXL 990 Microphone Review

The MXL 990 is a very affordable, high quality condenser microphone. This is a review and demonstration of the sound of the microphone.

[@TheTonyVuko]

This was the most helpful reviews so far on KZbin. You went over a majority of things people needed to hear. Thanks Craig!

[@hansolzy]

Don't worry about them man. I bought this mic a few months back after watching your review and been using it for my videos. Appreciate your help.

[@promisonl3617]

Thanks so much for this amazing review! I am so grateful for people who put up in-depth reviews on KZbin and share them, it really is a lot of help!

[@johnnycash1982]

really good demo of this mic, was looking to buy my first mic for home studio, watched many videos & read lot of reviews & after seeing this video, I ordered the MXL990 tonight! thank you for your great demo, it was really helpfull

[@spector969]

Thanks for the great vid, it was very helpful that you showed the difference between your clip-on mic & the MXL, it gave me a good idea on the comparative quality, thumbs up!

[@TheMiguelitobass]

Very nice job. Go from the very begining to the end with simple but very usefull conclutions. I will look out for this one. THANKS!

[@605cdj]

BEST REVIEW OF THIS MIC. Holy crap I spent an hour looking for a good sound test of this mic.

[@defconlab4757]

Excellent review, very thorough and insightful- much appreciated.

[@leftcoastjack]

Great video. It was great to actually see the cardioid sound pickup.

[@peterrajotte4205]

I did the same test with a lav mic and this mic and wow the MXL 990 is amazing. Huge difference as you can hear in this video. Thanks for the demo. Nice job much appreciated.

[@XGenDestroyer]

Thx man this is the best review I found over this mic

[@allthingsclassicrock]

i really enjoyed your demonstration of this mic, its great i got one for christmas and use it for lead vocals and overdubs. i am a counter-tenor and this mic really brings out the midrange in my vocals so the highs are nice and smooth and not too harsh, thanks for a proper demo this is a great mic i would recommend it to anyone on a budget.

[@limpiomott2]

How time flies.....I watched your review and also your version of "I wanna know what love is"...Result..I bought the mic set...Thanks for the great review..

[@markstang1965able]

Thank you, thank you. Great reviews are done in a way that completely assures the viewer to experience and gain all the answers to their questions. You have done that. Although I am an amature you helped me purchase a Mic "one time" and get what reviews to hundreds and hundreds of dollars more for comparables. To answer a question about recording into a PC...This Mic come in two different formats. USB Style-plugs into the PC and that is the only way it can be used. OR. .XLR Style- 3 prong.

[@kornonthekob1993]

Great review! I’m going to do a bit more research on this mic to see if its something I should buy, but this was a great starting point. Thanks!

[@onestep7]

I'm an MXL 990 owner. I found your review insightful, factual and very helpful. Thanks.

[@wjohnjr]

Saw mic on a local sound studio's website..good info..thank you CT for sharing..

[@AdamoMoreno]

Nystagmus? Solid review. Thorough, and great comparison using the lav! Thank you!

[@_JohnnySav]

Great review Craig

[@BatterySonic]

great review and info. i just ordered this mic today!

[@shinzante2]

Beautiful review , i've finally made up my mind on what mic i' ll buy! Thanks!

[@MintStandard]

Best 990 review online for sure man..

[@luna34]

really informative, great video!

[@Gsparf93er]

Good video, I'm gonna buy one and I'm glad that this video shows the quality of the MXL 990 thanks

[@hansolzy]

Thanks so much for this, it was exactly what i was looking for. I just ordered this online on Musicians Friend for 149... Idk how you got urs so cheap, but maybe its cause this one is USB powered. Ima use this for gameplay commentary and I'm so excited for it to arrive. I'm a teen and it's my first time i ever bought a real professional mic like this. Thanks again bro, you are pure awesomeness and you seem like you know what ur doing,.

[@LEXPIX]

Nice overview. I've been looking for a good mic solution for a portable recorder. Keep up the great tech type vids.

[@RoyceLawTV]

That was an awesome review, very helpful.

[@MrRadioguy1027]

I've been using this mic for years and speaking into the top because I've mounted it with the top facing the mouth. Can't wait to try it correctly. Thanks for the tips!~

[@Ukraz]

Thank you for the video. I was thinking of buying this mic and you sold me.

[@iSoapy19]

Greetings, Craig! Thank you so much for this review! I'm trying to get into the voice acting business and I was looking for a good starting microphone. I had no idea the MXL 990 was capable of such high-quality recording capabilities. The sound quality sounds very similar to Howard Stern's radio broadcasts! You, sir, earned a well-deserved subscribe! Best regards, Soapy

[@theanalogcirclepodcast.9416]

OMG I was about to get rid of this microphone until you said you have to set it up the right way. I have been talkin into the top of it. I owe you a huge thank you.

[@neatpleats11]

I found mine at the Goodwill and wanted to find out if it was any good so I thank you for this video. I am definitely keeping it.

[@DaIrishGuy]

Great review. i might just get the bundle you mentioned in another comment. thanks

[@indraspell]

I have been using this mic for years ! I love it . I never knew that there was a front and back to it ! apparently i have been setting it up correctly every time !

[@VGEric]

This is an excellent review.... thank you!

[@BatterySonic]

Thanks so much for the reply and for the reviews and music. You have earned my sub

[@m4rcocruz]

I just wanna say thanks for your videotutorial, this last weekend i bought this micro and i Wharfdale Connect 802 USB Mixer.

[@DCSHEEP158]

Yes! I saw the bundle on Amazon. Thank you!

[@TechHungryTV]

God! This is just eargasm! :-D The quality is so crispy :-)

[@MrFrancisilustre]

Thank you for the very good review

[@DJManik3]

good review .. think I'll go with this for my new singers !

[@HambroMidflow]

I'm convinced, I really want this mic now.

[@danaplaza1]

Great video, many thanks

[@chazsinger]

Nice review Craig. I just did a shoot out with this mic against the Sterling S50, ADK A51, and Sony C48. The Sterling and MXL both came in dead last, the ADK came in 2nd and the Sony came in first for strength, clarity and value. I have several large diaphragm mics, but only need one good mic for instruments and vocals. The Sony does cost quite a bit more, but is worth the cost in clarity alone. Cheap Chinese mics are great for starting out, but fall apart when compared to decent studio mics. On another note, Ps and Bs are called Plosives and the diaphragm reacts much like the face of a kitten if that makes sense? Btw… what part of Canada are you located? B.C.?

[@jakeanddar]

Great video Craig,So is it not necessary to connect this mic through an interface to a computer? Also does it have a usb connector? Thank,cheers!

[@IgorDoval]

Thank you, Craig.. it really helped me alot!

[@69UHF]

Hi Man, Thank you for a great review but i must to ask, what's the model of your Small video mic that attached to your shirt :) ?

[@Obicere]

I've used this mic for vocals, guitar, banjo, dobro, mandolin. All good. Nice for the price.

[@aztimer2]

I really like your video's, very informative.

[@b3n4rd]

thanks for the review

[@mikaneal1249]

Oh yeah baby new microphone

[@SPANISHFOREAGLE]

great vid. I feel confident about my purchase now. starting up a podcast and doing some streaming as well. thanks.

[@JonnyPlaysLive]

Hey Craig, where did you buy your mic arm boom? I've been looking for one of those, as I don't like the regular metal ones. Thanks for the review :)

[@aznargo]

Great review; thanks so much!

[@SaMmYBoiiXL]

thanks for the info man! love the hookah in the back round lol i think i might buy this mic

[@jeffersoncamargo1]

Thanks a lot, Craig! I'll buy the mine today! :D

[@deepblueyes28]

I also got this mic for $60 also about 6 months ago as my first condenser mic form my small home studio and I LOVE IT!!!!!

[@StephanieGraham]

Thanks for this video! Very helpful, what kind of microphone stand were you using I like how it had the bend in the neck of it. I was thinking of getting a desk stand for mine until I saw yours seems like its more functional incase I dont want to sit at the table. Do you mind sharing who made yours?

[@ZyanZik]

thank You very mutch for this information!

[@timpham27]

nice review thanks a lot really helpful

[@collarlock]

Do you have a preference or recommend a pop filter for this particular mic? Great video btw!!

[@Caballeroscuro78]

The best demo for this mic is your own video " Vocal Cover - I Want to Know What Love Is - Foreigner" . Very good singing and now I have and idea how it sounds in context, thank you very much for sharing. Big help. Cheers!

[@ToAllConvinced]

Yes it does! The Nady has a usb input (Bought seperately) and you can plug the mic in with the Nady and there, you have music.

[@stratocaster539]

Thanks for that.Most useful indeed.

[@JeRuJoHn1994]

Hey thanks for this vid man, I have a question though..what sort of mixer are you using? And does it make a BIG difference in quality from using an XLR and USB (same mic)? Thanks!

[@Ferryville91]

Thank you Craig For the Review Im getting mine soon its on Transit.. by the way where did you get the Hookah from? it looks very tunisian

[@beseeingyou6]

Love the part where you switched the mics for an A/B comparison. Wish more youtubers would do that for demos. Just bought myself the patriot model with US flag design

[@paulandvy]

niice review! definitely subbing

[@Alva0194]

Do you prefer AT2020 or MXL 990? For instruments and sing

[@programmedwrong3795]

Nice video!

[@videotutorial2009]

What software you use to capture the video and audio simultaneously? Thanks and great video!!

[@perfectthetech]

@DMajor239 It's electricity given to the microphone through the preamp. Condenser mics such as this one need extra voltage power to operate. Most mixers will have a button on them to give the mic power.

[@92juangui]

what a good video men, greetings from Colombia

[@hansolzy]

Dude! My stand broke on my MXL 990 USB. Whats a good shock mount that I can buy? Which one is that, that you have right there?

[@HuntforMusic]

Hey, nice video! I'm currently looking into microphones for home recording (Vocals and Acoustic Guitar) and i'm unsure what to go for, your video definitely swayed me into buying this mic but i am still quite torn between this and the AKG Perception 220 - which is slightly more expensive. I was just wondering if you have had any experience with the AKG or have any insight to offer as to which would be better for my purposes. Any help would be greatly appreciated =)

[@G0ogs]

Nice review

[@Liamesque]

Hi there and thanks for this informative clip - it's helping me enmormously as I choose which mike to buy for some posdcast / spoken recordings. I have a a quick question for you. I have a Korg D8 digital 8-track studio (that doesn't have phantom power). Would you recommend any pre-amp in particular to go with the MXL 990 ? Budget : max $300. Thanks in advance !!!

[@bradjewe11]

LOVE this mic

[@LeonardoBaquero]

Thanks a lot for this review =) Thank u Sr.

[@pragon1173]

Just ordered mine!

[@LuchaLibre17]

Great review! Thank you :)

[@TMD4000]

Hi Craig - I like your Channel very much and love your Songs ... As I love recording and mixing it's every time very interesting to read sth about the gear used for recording. You are reviewing the MXL here, but I would like to know what's that lavalier mic you are using here ? Keep going and all the best from Amdterdam/Netherlands, Hendrik

[@notjacob2589]

I'm looking to make animation-but-not-animation videos, and I was wondering if this mic is good for that type of video. I'm currently using a neewer nw-800, but I don't think it sounds too good.

[@Insessionfilm]

What would you recommend as a general EQ setting? I know it's different per person but I can't find a good EQ on this mic to save my life.

[@jesusbjrmusic]

Hello Craig, I have a question. Your sound sounds great. My cousin and I are looking into recording covers of several songs. But we are really not so knowledgeable about the equipment. I will for sure by this microphone but what other equipment is needed? Like for example, what mixer are you using? I am a Mac user btw. I would really appreciate it if you'd give me some advice. Nice video btw :)

[@jbsg01]

I've got the AT4050 and an Advanced Audio CM-12 that I use for recording. One of the biggest arguments I hear about the MXL is quality control. They're made in China(which is why they are so cheap) and the capsules can differ mic to mic a lot. For applications such as youtube and podcasts, it's tough to beat for the price.

[@TheChitakus]

ok thank you very much Craig. btw your voice is amazing so keep on drinking and singing!

[@RHYTHM661]

GREAT REVIEW,i have a question,since the mic is phantom powered...the fasstrack prottools 8 doesnt have it,will a phantom power supply help in order to plug the mic in to it,or will i need a new interface?i'd appreciate any help

[@BergDox]

@craigtube thx. I'm maybe going to buy it, the quality is pretty impressive

[@RadicalSituation]

Hi there very nice review im planning to get a condenser mic to start my home recording studio. will you recommend this to be used for vocals for songs and stuffs like that? hoping for your reply.. thanks

[@BorderGuards]

I enjoyed this video

[@keithbachand2251]

Hi! Looking into buying a mic for a podcast. How sensitive is this mic to background noise? A lot of reviews mention that it doesn't do well with any background noise as it picks it up very easy. What's your experience with background noise and the mxl990?

[@v95890]

I am so jealous that I didn't buy this microphone as my friend said "don't worry about the price for it's a great microphone". Well, I didn't want to listen, and paid $149 for an Audio Technica 2035 which sounds 1/2 as nice. This guy knows of what he speaks!

[@Mattiasnederman]

This microphone sounds amazing! Is it good for recording guitar aswell?

[@AbsoluteParenting]

Hi Craig, I've been looking for a good mic for up to 100USD for voiceover, podcast, vocal etc and after watching your review I guess I'll buy MXL990. It's a standard XLR socket, right? I can't see it on your video.

[@MichaelNakhiengchanh]

Yeah, I'd like to know what kind of mic stand you're using.

[@anon15135]

Great Review Craig!! But is there a way to record songs by connecting the microphone to my P.C?? :)

[@perfectthetech]

What is the microphone going into? In other words, what preamp/mixer are you using? It sounds great!

[@DJHeyOfficial]

Hi Craig. Thanks for the video review. I've been doing my research and have been trying to find an external microphone that has high quality sound. And that I can plug straight into the 3.5 microphone jack of my Olympus DM 420 voice recorder. And I wasn't pleased with any of the Olympus microphones. The sound quality wasn't that great. What brand would you recommend I look into? Thanks.

[@RicardoBonon]

Hi Craig, excelent videos on the MXL 990. Can you compare quatily, noise, etc between a MXL 990 USB and a MXL 990 + a m-audio fastrack interface? Thanks!