MXL 990 Review: Can This Budget Mic Deliver Pro Sound?

[@yourpcmd]

This is ironic, I have the MXL 990, and I bought it about 9 years ago, and never used it, and it is still in the case. I paid $89 at the time from Amazon. Thanks for the nostalgia, Tom.

[@tombuck]

Now it’s a collector’s item! 😁 I wonder if the design/build is still the same or if they’ve changed anything.

[@slickrickcm]

@@tombuck I bought it when it first came out back in 2008, I believe, and the only difference is that its usb type b. I've had it in a bag covered up with my socks to keep it safe because I lost the case. I just got a cable, boom arm and shock mount. figured I'd use it while I play some video games. sounds waaaaay better than the mic that my Logitech pro x 2 headphones have on em.

[@TechTroublemaker]

I even show love and care to my "crappy throw into the box gear" because it was my "good gear" and I often give my older gear to creators just starting out to get them started like I did.

[@tombuck]

It's always great to pass things along! Then hopefully it can get passed along again in the future. It's like microphone Toy Story 😁

[@Ribanski]

Hi. We’ve been using the MXL for several years now, two years ago i modded the mic. Put in a couple of better condensers and that brought a big change in soundquality. I found the mod somewhere on KZbin. It’s fairly easy to mod the mic. It’s really for the better. Father the mod it can compete with mics in the 500$ range.

[@SickDaysPodcast]

Another banger, I miss my MXL 990 I think it's a lot of nostalgia for people who started using condenser microphones.

[@MemphisMike901]

I had this Mic when they first came out. I had an untreated room and it almost seemed too hot for my setup. Gave it away to my church and they still use it!

[@tombuck]

Wow! Awesome to know it's still working after all these years 😎

[@1vegasdood]

I have wondered when you go to cocktail parties if people appreciate your sense of humor and knowledge...your channel is super helpful...I am hoping you end up doing a review of the new Hollyland Lark M2...

[@tombuck]

Haha thank you! It's probably safe to say my jokes are appreciated as much as they deserve to be 😉 As for the Lark, I was actually just looking at it yesterday since it seems to be pretty awesome. I recently got the Rode Wireless Pro, which is also very nice, but I'm also starting to wonder about the long term use for these mic systems with non-changeable batteries. I've had some of mine totally die and/or lose a lot of battery life and there's really nothing that can be done. They still function fine, but there's really no way to keep using them once the batteries go.

[@fallinmor]

I’m digging the budget buck videos. Keep up the amazing work!

[@tombuck]

Ooh feels like there’s a name for a video series there…

[@AudioHotline]

This was fun! It made me feel a little nostalgic! It's crazy to think the 990 came out in 2007 😮, it doesn't seem like it was THAT long ago! With processing, I do feel like it sounded pretty similar to the NT1SS. Without it, I preferred the Rode, but it's crazy that the 990 still hangs in there against some of the newest competition!

[@IncrediblyHandsome]

This was my first “serious mic” when I graduated from my RadioShack handheld when I had my first podcast way back in 2005! I got it for 90 bucks on sale and that was basically all the money in the world to my 18 year old self. I always thought it sounded pretty good, but I gave it up for the NT1 in 2020 because I do scary narration and the self noise on my MXL was getting rough. Still a great mic, this video made me go back and listen to an older episode when I still used it. Still sounds good but my RE20 is king of course…

[@tombuck]

I too remember upgrading from a RadioShack handheld mic! totally forgot about that!

[@44BluesFan]

I had an MXL 990 for my first try at voiceover almost 10 years ago. Did its job, but I wasn't educated enough at the time about post-processing to make it sound its best. Sweet hoodie - I desperately want a Vince Dunn Winter Classic jersey. ;)

[@tombuck]

I love all of the Winter Classic designs! They announced they'll be wearing the jerseys for two more games this season and I'm super excited for it 😁

[@44BluesFan]

@@tombuck Nice. Dunn was a big part of STL's Cup team, glad to see him thrive in Seattle.

[@bob-rogers]

FWIW, the 990 and the 603 is the same capsule and the same circuit. Same mic, just in a different form. They are pretty flat through most of the vocal range, but the high end is wonky--it has a substantial dip at about 4k and a huge bump at 10k.

[@Vidgirl8]

This is a beautiful mic that doesn't break the bank. At the time I bought it it was in the $65-70 range. At $100 now, It's still worth the price today. I have used this mic for over 10 years, it's the only one I use. I use it for vocals and voice overs.

[@danielschaller-digitalcrealab]

I don't think I had the opportunity to wish you and Header a Happy New Year so here you go, all the very best to both of you... hope that my 2024 agenda will allow me to be more often in the right time zone and catch up with you guys. On the mic, sounds very nice and... question of taste I guess but looks good 👍. Maybe you did that and I forgot or missed, but a video where you show your approach to sound processing would be interesting... I just move stuff around randomly basically until it sounds OK to me but... maybe there is a slightly more 'logical' approach/order... Best from Switzerland

[@tombuck]

Happy New Year Daniel! My sound processing approach is somewhat similar to yours haha. I’ve really come to appreciate the impact of a little compression, so that’s usually my main trick.

[@danielschaller-digitalcrealab]

@@tombuck I shall try to play a bit more with compression 'independently' 👍 thanks Tom, and I hope you feel better, for once I could have joined the stream haha

[@jeff2424]

The MXL 990 sounds great with your voice, and its bigger brother, the MXL 770, sounds even warmer and richer with its larger diaphragm. The MXL condenser microphones sound like much more expensive equipment, but be sure to use a windscreen.

[@HiFiASMR]

Tlm 103 is the only mic that doesnt sound like crap in some way. Ive used and researched a lot of mics lol.

[@NithilanDhandapani]

Sir can you give us what kinda changes you did to make the mic sound cool. Changes that you personally made apart from the preset

[@tombuck]

In this video, I didn’t do anything beyond the presets. The presets mainly just change the EQ curve slightly and add compression. I’ve been thinking of doing an “EQ Basics” video for anyone who doesn’t have something like a Rodecaster.

[@jonathanramsey]

I bought one of these in a kit that includes a small diaphragm pencil mic. I used them together for vocals and guitar 15 years ago, until I bought the Røde NT1A. I wasn’t pleased with the presence bump. It made it sound too bright for my ears. It was a nice pair for $99, though.

[@tombuck]

That's pretty cool, I didn't know it came as part of a pair!

[@HomesickMac]

Seems like a truly price worthy mic. On the matter of "care", I've developed the habit of treating all my equipment equally carefully, I never know when that cheap and "reserve" mic might save the day for me or someone else 🙂 I really appreciate how you not only review a single mic but always bring in other mics for comparizon, such a good thing! And that good ole SM58 haha, it's just amazing. As is the Lewitt which would still be my main choice here. The MXL has a "high end low end" at close proximity, so voiceover or livestreaming when you don't the mic in the frame, all fine. For that price..

[@justin2justin14]

Its a decent mic ive had it for 8 years it sounds good but the problem is it picks up ALOT of background noise so unless you have a program to add compression and a noise gate this is not a great choice for live streaming, however for recorded videos with some audio work itll sound pretty solid. If u want a mic that dosent require tons of filtering for live streaming I recommend the shure SM58 or the SEV7 if you dont like dynamic mic the blue ember is a solid budget option too but for voiceovers though i would choose a solid condenser mic.

[@ravholly]

That is my first Podcast mic and have still have like four of them, but I have the SM7B's now.

[@MinimalistCarnivore]

back when it came out was great bargain to many great choices today and would not get one these days :) the old YMMV Finally updated mine recently so was a great starting mic but the mounting adjustment threads stripped common problem and the mic started having major noise issues for some reason

[@tombuck]

You're the second person who's mentioned noise issues after a long period of time. I'm wondering if that's common, and if so, how long it takes to show up.

[@MinimalistCarnivore]

​@@tombuck no idea :) but it escalated quite quickly now have a MV7X and love it. I figure if my channel keeps going, I will get another mic in a year or so as tech is fun :) most likely Lewitt also want to thank you for putting out such great mic reviews

[@nicktayloriv310]

It sounds XL-lent to me! ba dum tss! 🥁, and condensers have that "sparkle" for lack of better words but that seems to be a MXL thing. Proximity effect sounds solid too. I like condensers but where I record isn't quiet enough... One day I'll get to set up a true quiet space. Lets make 2024 special!

[@IvanSergio1984]

Wow! This microphone sounds way above its price.

[@tombuck]

Agreed!

[@petertlocke]

Hi Tom, I preordered the NT1 Signature in red and it came in a few weeks ago. Looks great to me. I also have the NT1 4th gen. I am in Canada and the coloured versions seem to be available now. (too bad they discontinued the blue colour...just kidding)

[@tombuck]

Oh wow you’re the first person I’ve heard you has gotten one! That’s awesome!

[@WhiteAsperagus]

PLEASE review the music villa mv3, its honestly so incredible and is made to compete directly against the sm7b. It sounds so good infact, that universal audio decided to hire the same manufacturer to make almost the same microphone for nearly double the mv3's price.

[@thestingyham1188]

I remember I bought this as my first condenser mic, here in Korea. It was 2007. I paid a whopping $30 new, in the box! I hated it, because at the time, I had no understanding of room noise and needing room treatment. It also seemed really muddy to me.

[@tombuck]

Reminds me of the first time I used a Shure SM7B- hated it and couldn't understand the hype only to realize I had no idea what I was doing 😅

[@Mindfulbanterofficial]

Hahah yesss finally I kept commenting about this mic on your videos and I’m so happy to see it even though I just bought two Lewitt 440s 😂❤❤🎉. Thanks for always delivering Tom!

[@tombuck]

Hope you’re enjoying the Lewitts!

[@FharishAhmedPortfolio]

🤔🤔🤔 Didn't the MXL come with a "free" shotgun microphone?

[@tombuck]

Mine sure didn’t! 😬

[@G4LPodcast]

I'm more of a 770 fan but definitely a nice option!

[@SethAustin405]

First off, love your channel 🎉 I’m a HUGE fan of 990. But that 770 👀 I absolutely love the sound of that microphone! Imo. They don’t make them like they use to 😌

[@normchristopherson5799]

Tom, your reviews are great! I have learned a great deal from you. Just how many microphones do you currently own now? I have a few but, I imagine you have well over a dozen.

[@tombuck]

Oh boy that's a good question! It's at least 30, which is nuts. I try and donate ones whenever I don't think they'll be getting used anymore, but it's been helpful to have a collection like this for doing comparison when making reviews.

[@WeaponsRemorse]

i had it for a little bit and then modded it with a 990XF and u47 styled capsule now its pretty much a U47 for $250 bucks i also took out the mesh for a more open sound and for my voice just adding 5-7db of bass makes my voice shine

[@JeffCorcelius]

I think this mic sounds great except for the proximity effect, to me it sounded to extream. I'm in the market for a good mic for live streams, zooms and whatever other sillyness ensues. I use the Sennheiser MK4 for my VO work.

[@tombuck]

Yeah, it's pretty extreme. I know some people love it, but I think I'd prefer a more consistent sound with less proximity effect.

[@HomeStudioPro]

I'm just here for the hockey hoodie!! haha

[@tombuck]

It's really the cornerstone here 😁

[@TheAndreso_]

Hi! Talking about budget mics, I recently bought a new mic, a USB one, the 512 Audio Tempest, it's based on the Warm Audio WA-47jr (512 Audio is from Warm Audio themselves) and it has a 34mm capsule, which is wild for a USB mic rlly. I think it costs around 80$ right now (it was MSRP at 160$ back in 2022, so they cut the price in half). It would be pretty nice to see it reviewed here since I don't really see a lot of info about it, but I think it sounds great-

[@kristinpaynemusic]

I am a musician, getting my own recording set up at home. I dont have a studio. BUDGET BUDGET. Which mic would you suggest?

[@CoffeeTalkandTechJohnRyan]

Ive owned this...for the price its a pretty good deal 👌 hi Tom.

[@tombuck]

I’m definitely impressed by it!

[@Theelockerroom]

This sounds strangely similar to the blue sona to my ear. Sounds great. Also go hurricanes 😉

[@tombuck]

I should definitely compare it to the Sona just for the sake of curiosity! I just wanted to keep the comparisons here to a fairly similar price (I never really know if the comparisons are helpful or repetitive, but it seems like a good idea to not make people search out separate videos 🤷🏻‍♂️)

[@Theelockerroom]

@@tombuck that makes sense. Thanks for all you do it’s all appreciated and enjoyed!

[@PrestonJensen]

Thanks for the video!

[@tombuck]

It’s a fun mic!

[@bonhommevincent4202]

I'm little surprise that i don't see in your test (like you like condenseur mike) the rhode m2, an condenser handtell supercardoid microphone...During covid time, this mike save me a lot of time cause i'm not a pro in sound (unless in these time in three month i learn a lot through a lot of mistake). Since now the price grow up a lot, i buy it for 80€ and these month his price may vary between 110€ and now 90-93€. An asking from that, Why can microphone prices vary so widely? for rhode or lewitt, and other brand...

[@TwoTimesRmedia]

This mic sounds amazing

[@WhatUpBoomin]

Is that a Seattle Krakens Hoodie? 👀😊

[@tombuck]

Winter Classic!

[@RoqueInc]

Not gonna lie. Sure the production value and content is top tier. But I come here for the puns. 😂

[@TheAndrewanyanwu]

hello, where can i get your headphones iv been looking everywhere for them, please can you send a link, thank you so much

[@tombuck]

They're Rode NTH 100s: bhpho.to/3JNacqg Rode sent the colored ear pads a while back I think as a tease that they're planning to start selling them separately at some point (I hope).

[@yolifepodcast3649]

This was my first microphone ever

[@dmajorx]

Mxl still sounds great on your voice.

[@tombuck]

Thank you! It’s a pretty dang versatile mic m.

[@darcy4143]

Tom what are the settings for the NT1 that you used with the MXL 990 mic I don't have the Rode podcaster, I have an MXL 990s and cubase pro12 and I loved the NT1 setting that you applied to it .

[@tombuck]

Rode's presets are surprisingly great, but unfortunately difficult to replicate exactly outside of a Rodecaster. At their core, they add compression, noise gate, and a de-esser. There's also an EQ adjustment to boost the lows a bit and turn down the meds/highs.

[@darcy4143]

@@tombuck I managed to catch it, another youtuber was going through his preset for the Rode NT1-a I tried it and like you said it failed not too badly so I applied Neutron 4 from Izotope and did a bit of wizardry and nailed it I think the gate and de-esser is the main 2 processes to get right with this mic but to be honest after a few minutes I managed it . thanks for the reply.👍

[@luke_1234]

Where was that live stream at yesterday? I saw the post but never saw it go live

[@tombuck]

I’m so sorry Luke- I ended up getting sick and have to reschedule it.

[@luke_1234]

@@tombuck well I hope you’re feeling better

[@alphabeta92]

Does it make a difference if you hang the MXL990 upside down?

[@tombuck]

Nope! That's a super common thing to do with mics in radio stations and stuff 👍

[@LanceisLawson]

I bought a 990 and didn't care for it. In part the 990 was listed as a LDC. However it is not an LDC. It has a small capsule mounted in a big dummy ring that makes it look like a LDC. I was put off to the phony LDC wannabe and sold it. I thought it sounded fair at best.

[@tombuck]

Hmmm, I didn't catch that, but yeah, very off-putting for sure.

[@tomsoccociojr.5776]

Gosh, it sounds really harsh to me. It's kind of a brittle sound in the high end. I'm not sure if that's just the recording or if that's representative of how it really sounds.

[@tombuck]

It might be the processing added- the unprocessed sound is pretty flat and neutral to my ears (but everyone is different).

[@theglobalzrecordingproject]

Agreed. I own the mic and that is one of the things that really bugs me as well - the piercing "esses" make it a non-starter for me on voice. Also, to my ears, the 990 doesn't just sound flat, it sounds kind of lifeless and lacks clarity. I would reach for something else for a $100 option. My guess is it may work on certain voices and instruments but IMHO, there are better options.

[@peterlagroove6555]

Hello...... I would like to know if it is possible to know where you bought the blue pads for the rode headphones

[@tombuck]

Rode sent them to me last summer, but unfortunately I don't think they're available for sale anywhere.

[@peterlagroove6555]

@@tombuck thanks very much....the pads are very nice.

[@benjhaisch]

KRAKEN!

[@benjhaisch]

They’re actually on a pretty epic run right now after completely bungling the beginning of the season

[@tombuck]

Yeah they seem to have found their groove. I take pride because Joey was our AHL goalie last season so we got to see him play in person so many times! He's phenomenal and I'm glad he's getting a lot of attention now. He's the one who made me want to learn to play!

[@benjhaisch]

@@tombuck yes! Goaltending is 100% the biggest catalyst too imo

[@ItsBluebird]

My daddy is not here right now so I have a chance to comment on this, Haha! 😄

[@justin2justin14]

I have the MXL 990 patriot and i feel like it sounds worse than your 990 lol

[@hellolau]

You know what's really strange? All these KZbinrs who think they're hosting a radio show with their oversized headsets and massive microphones in front of their faces. Seriously, it's cluttered, ugly, and so distracting. I mean, why on earth do they feel the need to hide behind all that equipment? Can we please go back to simpler, more genuine content?

[@tombuck]

When it comes to an audio-first medium like a podcast, having good sound quality and being able to hear yourself/others is super important. Does every video need a big mic in the frame? Of course not. But no one wants to listen to an hour or more of boomy, reverby audio. I’m all about simple and genuine, but those things don’t have to mean poor quality.

[@ROBOTRIX_eu]