MXL 990 Review
MXL 990
$89.95 (price as of 2026-11-07)
XLR to XLR Cables is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Reddit score
3.7 Based on 3 Reddit owner comments · Top 39% of 18 tracked xlr microphones
| Owner sentiment | 4.2 | |
| Recommendations | 1.0 | |
| Spec score | Not rated | |
| Value | 4.9 |
How these are computed: methodology. Components without evidence show “Not rated” and their weight moves to the others.
Limited Reddit owner feedback. We need more owner experiences before this score is reliable, so this page is not yet in our sitemap.
Is the MXL 990 worth it?
Based on 3 Reddit owner comments, the MXL 990 scores 3.7 out of 5 (owner comments average 4.0 stars), and the theme owners raise most is gain needs (1 mention).
Who it suits
- You care about gain needs (1 positive owner mention)
- You care about value (1 positive owner mention)
- You care about vocals (1 positive owner mention)
Who should skip it
- Not observed: no recurring complaint theme yet.
What Reddit owners say
2 positive and 1 critical owner comments. Quotes link to the original Reddit comment.
Key specs
As listed on the Amazon product page we checked; missing fields are never estimated.
- High-quality — yet eminently budget-friendly — FET condenser microphone
- Houses MXL's version of a tried-and-true, German-style transformerless circuit
- Gold-sputtered, 6-micron diaphragm with a fixed cardioid polar pattern
- Delivers a predominantly flat response from 30Hz–20kHz
- Gentle 8kHz presence peak ensures articulate, intelligible vocals without harshness
| Connectivity Technology | XLR |
|---|---|
| Connector Type | XLR |
| Special Feature | Stand |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer, Laptop |
| Polar Pattern | Unidirectional |
| Microphone Form Factor | Large Diaphragm |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 80 db |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Frequency Response | 30 hertz |
| Audible Noise | 80 db |
| Enclosure Material | Nylon |
| Antenna Location | Singing |
| Brand | MXL |
| Model Name | 990 |
| Model Number | 990 |
| Built-In Media | battery, warranty card |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Number of Packs | 1 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| UPC | 726667946115 |
| Mfr Part Number | 990 |
| Warranty Description | 2 Year Limited Warranty |
XLR to XLR Cables is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Commissions never affect scores, rankings, or verdicts.
FAQ
Is the MXL 990 worth it?
Based on 3 Reddit owner comments, the MXL 990 scores 3.7 out of 5 (owner comments average 4.0 stars), and the theme owners raise most is gain needs (1 mention).
What do Reddit owners complain about with the MXL 990?
We have not observed a recurring complaint theme in owner comments yet.
How much does the MXL 990 cost?
It was $89.95 on Amazon when we checked on 2026-11-07. Prices change, so check Amazon for the current price.
Alternatives
Shure SM58
4.5 (26 owner comments)
$99.00 (price as of 2026-11-07)
“Then, maybe pick up an SM58 or 57 for $100 too.”
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“From my (very) limited knowledge on this topic, the K688 specs look really nice!”
Read review →Audio-Technica AT2020
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“Bringing your At2020 too.”
Read review →Keep deciding
More MXLAll xlr microphonesBuying guideMethodology
Last updated 2026-11-07. Amazon listing ASIN B09NCCQ9W9.