MXL

MXL-770 vs MXL-990 Comparison (Versus Series)

MXL-770

  • Price: $65
  • Frequency Response: 30Hz - 20kHz
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Max SPL: 137dB
  • Impedance: 150-Ohms
  • S/N Ratio: 74dB

MXL-990

  • Price: $78
  • Frequency Response: 30Hz - 18kHz
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Max SPL: 137dB
  • Impedance: 110-Ohms
  • S/N Ratio: 78dB

Today we're comparing two microphones from MXL; the MXL-770 and the MXL-990. They do look similar on paper, but there are some very important differences that I found when listening extremely closely to the microphones.

First off, the build quality of these mics is very similar. They both have a full metal construction, and a metal grill. They do feel a bit on the light side when comparing them to more expensive condenser microphones. The 770 is quite a bit larger than the 990, and also has a -10dB pad switch and a bass rolloff switch to help when recording loud instruments. Due to the 770 providing additional options, I will declare the 770 the winner of the build quality.

The frequency response is where the main difference shows up. The MXL-770 ranges from 30Hz - 20kHz, and the MXL-990 ranges from 30Hz - 18kHz. This would lead you to believe that the former would have a more prominent high end, but that's not what I found. I found that the 990 lacked quite a bit in the low end, and the higher frequencies were a bit harsh/shrill. The 770 had a much fuller low end without sounding overly muddy, the high end was not overbearing, and overall it provided a much smoother sound. Therefore, I am declaring the 770 the winner of the frequency response section as well.

The polar patterns of both mics is very similar, and there's no winner here. The Max SPL is also the same for both microphones, so there is no winner here.

Therefore, the winner of today's Versus Series is the MXL-770. To my ears, this microphone just provided an all around better tone. It had a well rounded low end and a decent amount of high frequencies without becoming unbearable, all while providing a very smooth and natural sound. I do want to note that for these comparisons, I am VERY nitpicky, and either of these microphones will likely perform well for any beginner's home studio. It really just comes down to what your personal preference is. 

Buy the MXL-770
US: http://amzn.to/2jpxjeP
UK: http://amzn.to/2iquk7h

Buy the MXL-990
US: http://amzn.to/2jdsveG
UK: http://amzn.to/2iNrAPg

Buy the Focusrite Scarlett Solo
US: http://amzn.to/2jBSauD
UK: http://amzn.to/2iqltTj

 

MXL-550 XLR Condenser Microphone Review / Test

Today is part 1 of 2 in the MXL 550/551 review series. For this review, we will be focussing on the larger of the two microphones, the MXL550. I do need to let you know that this is an XLR condenser microphone which means you will need a phantom power supply, or an interface with phantom power, in order for this microphone to work properly. For this review video, I connected the microphone to my computer using the Focusrite Scarlett Solo USB Audio Interface with +48v Phantom Power turned on.

If you are interested in this microphone pack, it will set you back $77 on Amazon

What's In the Box

  1. Microphone
  2. Microphone Mount
  3. Carrying Case
  4. Micro Fiber Cloth
  5. Documentation
  6. 1 Year Warranty

Performance / Features

The construction on this mic feels pretty nice for the price. It has an all metal construction and has some decent weight to it. Even though it feels nice, I would be careful with it because these lower price tag mics do tend to utilize cheaper components, and suffer due to lower quality assurance standards. As far as features, there is really nothing to discuss, as it is a simple XLR microphone with a single XLR plug on the bottom.

The frequency response is listed as 30Hz - 20kHz and it sounds pretty decent. On the voice I thought the microphone sounded very crisp while also providing a decent amount of low end. On the acoustic guitar and electric guitar, the mic sounded a little warmer than I typically prefer, but all around, it sounded acceptable. 

There are no surprises when I say, the polar pattern is listed as cardioid. As we move around the side we lose quite a bit of volume, and on the rear we pick up very minimal sound. The microphone also performed only decently when typing behind the mic.

Pros

  • Decent construction
  • Affordable
  • Acceptable performance

Cons

  • Not best sound on guitars
  • Only decent elimination of background noise

Conclusion

I actually kind of like this microphone. It is not the greatest sounding mic, and it is definitely not the worst sounding mic, but it does perform pretty damn well considering you get two mics for $77. I don't think that this mic would necessarily work well for gamers, but I do think it would be a great mic pack if you are starting a home studio and want to get your feet wet. Other than that, I think you would be better off saving up a few more dollars for some higher quality microphones.

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 MXL550/551 Pack
US: http://amzn.to/2aUKVwf
UK: http://amzn.to/2aWggxI

Buy the Scarlett Solo
US: http://amzn.to/2bqU7bl
UK: http://amzn.to/2bgovb2

MXL 991 XLR Condenser Mic Review/Test

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

  1. Microphone
  2. Microphone Mount
  3. Hard Shell Carrying Case
  4. Documentation
  5. 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

MXL 990 XLR Condenser Mic Review / Test

Today I am reviewing MXL 990 XLR Condenser Microphone. This is part 1 of 2 of the MXL 990/991 Recording Kit review series. This is the larger of the two microphones in the kit and it is designed as Vocal/Instrument Mic. 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

  1. Microphone
  2. Microphone Mount
  3. Hard Shell Carrying Case
  4. Documentation
  5. 1-Year Warranty

Performance / Features

The build of this microphone feels pretty nice. It has an all metal construction and an all metal grill. It has some substantial weight to it too. It feels all around like a well built sturdy microphone. It doesn't feel like it's as high quality as an AT2035, but keep in mind that this microphone is between $50-$60 (if you buy the kit). 

The frequency response of this mic is listed as 30Hz - 20kHz which is a very nice range. It sounded relatively nice on vocals and electric guitar, but when I tested it on the acoustic it sounded a little bit thin. This could have been easily remedied by altering the microphones position. Regardless of the mic positions, it does seem to lack a little bit in the low end.

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
  • Nice construction
  • Sturdy case
  • Nice sound on voice & electric guitar
  • Good at eliminating background noise

Cons

  • Lacks a little in low end

Conclusion

All around I think this is a nice sounding microphone for the price. It sounded nice on the vocals and the electric guitar, but did seem to lack a little in the low end. I think this would be a great option for gamers because it does help eliminate a lot of the background noise and has a good clean sound for vocals. This would also work really well as an entry level studio mic set and will allow you to play around with multiple micing positions if you opt for the mic kit.

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