Series

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

 

BM-700 vs. BM-800 vs. BM-8000 Comparison (Versus Series)

BM-700

  • Price: $29.00
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz

BM-800

  • Price: $27.00
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz

BM-8000

  • Price: $26.00
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz

Today we are comparing three Excelvan microphones to determine which is the best. The mics are the BM-700, BM-800, and BM-8000.

The construction of the microphones bodies is the exact same. The only difference is the microphone capsules enclosure on top, but this doesn't seem to effect the sound too much.

In all honesty, the microphones performance was nearly identical. There were some very small differences in EQ's between the microphones, but nothing too noticeable. The BM-700 did seem a bit boomy, and had a bit hotter of a signal which led to some clipping, but other than that, not much difference.

It was difficult to pick, but after very close analysis of the sound, I think that BM-800 is the winner. It provides a slightly cleaner sound, and better tone. Also it saves you a few dollars as well. Hope this helped you decide which microphone is right for you.

Buy the BM-700: http://amzn.to/1qACnzD
Buy the BM-800: http://amzn.to/1MmSsDd
Buy the BM-8000: http://amzn.to/1S9BR81

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Versus Series: BM-800 vs NW-800

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BM-800

  • Price: $28.00
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid

NW-800

  • Price: $27.00
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz - 16kHz
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid

In the second installment of the Versus Series, we had a much closer match. Based on the specifications, once again the BM-800 should have won. But when it comes down to actual performance, the victor was the NW-800.

The sound quality between these two microphones was very close, however, the NW-800 provided a slightly cleaner tone. This was apparent in the acoustic guitar performance, as well as electric guitar performance. 

Although the NW-800 is limited in the frequency response arena, I believe that it makes up for in a tighter, and less boomy low end, and cleaner all around tone. 

Buy the NW-800: http://amzn.to/1pFyYiK
Buy the BM-800: http://amzn.to/22e7FKa