MXL 990 Stereo

This microphone is basically two MXL 990’s combined in one housing. The electronics and capsules are the same as the 990, only multiplied by two. The capsules are mounted one on top of the other in a classic Blumlein configuration. This technique is intended to eliminate phasing and comb filtering issues that can arise from other stereo miking techniques.

The sonic quality of the MXL 990 stereo microphone is (not surprisingly) very similar to the non-stereo MXL 990; however, I noticed a decrease in proximity effect with the stereo 990. Since the stereo 990 is not really intended to be used as an announcer’s or vocal mic, I view this as a non-issue. Like the non-stereo 990, it’s extremely sensitive and will pick up almost any background noise during recording.

The stereo field is very lifelike, with decent separation between channels. The fact that only one microphone needs to be set up to capture a field recording of a choir or band concert makes the MXL 990 stereo mic a good choice for an unobtrusive setup that won’t be as much of a distraction on the stage.

It also seems that this mic would work well recording piano or as a drum overhead, although I’ve yet to try it in either of these scenarios.

MXL 2001

Another microphone, with which I’ve had good results in acoustic applications, is the MXL 2001. The basic MXL 2001 is discontinued, but has been replaced by the MXL 2001A and is currently available as a package deal with the MXL 600 (if I can get hold of a sample of the MXL 600, I will review it as well). Even still, the MXL 2001’s are readily available on EBay for about $60.00/each.

I find the MXL 2001 to have a very smooth and slightly “warmer” sound compared to the MXL 990; however, the MXL 2001 does seem to have a very slight midrange emphasis – which is not at all objectionable. My experience shows the MXL 2001 to compliment the sound of reed instruments and low brass (tenor and bass trombone, euphonium, tuba, Sousaphone).

As with many of the inexpensive Chinese condenser mics, the MXL 2001 makes a very good platform for modification. Here is an example of one of these modification projects that converts the MXL 2001 into a tube mic requiring a dedicated, external power supply.

MXL 990

The 990 is MXL’s best selling inexpensive condenser microphone, and for good reason. Currently, this microphone can be purchased as of 12/29/2009 at Musician's Friend for a sale price of $49.00. This includes a case, a regular stand mount and a shock mount (which sells for about 30 bucks separately). This represents one of the best values currently available for an inexpensive studio condenser microphone.

My experience with the MXL 990 has been very positive. I own four of them and have used them in many live performance scenarios. The microphone has a nice “heft” and seems physically robust. It sounds good on just about every acoustic instrument I’ve put it in front of; it works well with clarinet, trombone, cornet and piano. It’s adequate for string bass, but there are other microphones I prefer for that particular application. Nonetheless, the MXL 990 is one of my most-used microphones for overall acoustic recording purposes.