Today I am reviewing MXL 991 XLR Condenser Microphone. This is part 2 of 2 of the MXL 990/991 Recording Kit review series. This is the smaller of the two microphones in the kit, and it is an instrument microphone (not designed for vocals). It is also a condenser microphone, which means it will require phantom power to work properly, so keep that in mind when you are considering this recording kit.

If you are interested in this microphone, it will set you back $90 on Amazon

What's In the Box

Microphone
Microphone Mount
Hard Shell Carrying Case
Documentation
1-Year Warranty

Performance / Features

The build of this microphone feels a little bit weaker than the MXL990. It has an all metal construction and an all small metal grill. It does not have much weight to it which I think would make this a great overhead microphone, but I would be careful with the mic.

The frequency response of this mic is listed as 30Hz - 18kHz which is a decent range. It sounded relatively nice on vocals (even though it's not designed for this) and electric guitar. When I tested it on the acoustic, it sounded full and warm as well. I think that this microphone has slightly better bass response than the 991. I think that micing your fretboard with this and the soundhole with the 990 would provide a very rich and full acoustic tone.

The microphone also offers a cardioid polar pattern. This means it picks up audio directly in front of the microphone and picks up little to no audio around the sides or back of the mic. It seems to be a narrow pick up range, which helps eliminate a lot of the unwanted keyboard noise in the background.

Pros

Cheap
Sturdy case
Nice sound on voice & electric/acoustic guitar
Good at eliminating background noise

Cons

Feels relatively cheap
Lacks a little in low end

Conclusion

All around, I think that this mic pack is a great beginner set. It will provide you two microphones so you can play with micing techniques and positions. The 991 itself sounds nice on the two instruments I tested it out on and I think it would work well as a room mic or as an overhead drum mic. I would steer clear of using this as a designated vocal mic as it was not designed for that, but if you do decide to use it as a vocal mic, I implore you to use a windscreen/pop filter.

If you have any additional questions about this microphone, leave them in the comments on this site or on the youtube channel, and I will try to reply ASAP.

Buy the MXL990 / 991 Package
US: http://amzn.to/29ZPZBL
UK: http://amzn.to/29LBO3j