Mic Archive
MXL 990
Photo: MXL, from its manual, p. 1.

MXL

MXL 990

Large-diaphragm condenser (FET), cardioid, side-address

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Cardioid
Sensitivity
−36.5 dBV/Pa computed
Self-noise
20 dB(A)
Max SPL
130 dB SPL
Impedance
200 Ω
Rated range
20 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the manual, p. 2. Titled "Frequency Chart"; dB scale +20 to -30, relative. Distance, room and smoothing not stated.

Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.

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All specs

From the manual
Capsule22 mm capsule, 6 micron gold-sputtered diaphragm. "6 micron gold-sputtered"; "This microphone has a 22mm capsule with a gold-sputtered diaphragm". The 2007 sheet says "large 20 mm. diaphragm capsule".p. 2
Sensitivity−36.5 dBV/Pa (15 mV/Pa). Not stated by the manufacturer: Converted from "15mV/Pa" (20 log10 0.015 = -36.5).
Self-noise20 dB(A), A-weighted, IEC 268-4. "Equivalent Noise Level: 20 dB (A-weighted IEC 268-4)".
Max SPL130 dB SPL, 0.5% THD. "Max SPL for .5% THD: 130 dB".
Output impedance200 ohm
Rated frequency range20 Hz to 20 kHz; also [30, 20000], 2007 sheet ("Frequency Range"). "Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz". The 2007 sheet gives "30Hz-20kHz".
Poweringphantom 48 V ±4 V. "Phantom power 48V (+- 4V)".
Weight544.3 g. "544.3g / 1.2 lbs".
Dimensions60 × 130 mm. "60mm x 130mm / 2.36 in. x 5.11 in"; not said which is which (diameter × length, presumably).
Supplied accessoriescustom shock mount; mic stand adapter; carrying case. "Contents". The product page names them MXL90 shock mount and MXLMT001 hard mount.
Metal finishChampagne
CareUse a pop filter or foam windscreen for vocals closer than 3" (8 cm); store with the silica gel packet
WarrantyOne yearp. 1
From the manual (Recording Hacks copy)
Signal-to-noise ratio80 dB, re 1 Pa, A-weighted. "S/N Ratio: 80dB (Ref. 1Pa A-weighted)". Not in the 2024 manual.p. 1
Current draw3 mA, less than. "Current Consumption: <3.0mA". Not in the 2024 manual.
From the product page
ElectronicsFET preamp, balanced outputp. 1

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © MXL, unchanged, with its original address.

Product page on mxlmics.comRecording Hacks

Recommended for

Instruments whose sources name this mic, or an earlier version or variant of it.

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