MXL Mics particularly the 770 and 990

Killjingle · Post by **Killjingle** » Wednesday Jan 11, 2006

are these decent mics? I realize the difference between hi end vs entry level, but what I am really curious about is a MXL condenser 770 or 990 vs using a plain ole Shure 58 (some guys like a 57) for recording vocals on a decent sounding demo. I have a little cash left in my budget I alotted (for a small small personal recording studio) and if it would even make a shit of difference I think I will pick one up. My last time into a studio I only used the 58 for my death style voicings (all I contributed) but the main vocalist did most of his on a mid line condenser. But we ended up putting so much gain on his voice that I didnt see a huge difference.

I intend to use a lot of voices that range from whispers, clean singing(!),
death yodels, fullout death vox, and my bassist has a low voice that would make type o negative or barry white blush. I dont want to limit the project but I have to be realistic about staying within the confines of my budget.

Thanx

Killjingle · Post by **Killjingle** » Wednesday Jan 11, 2006

I suppose I am interested in hearing opinions on all large cardoid condenser mics under $100. I would rather not limit myself to one brand, but I was to invest I would like to pick 1 up with a shockmount...

lonewolf · Post by **lonewolf** » Wednesday Jan 11, 2006

I don't see how you can go wrong with this:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=r ... id/273156/

There are a lot of reasons why you would want to use a studio condenser rather than a live sound dynamic mic for recording. The main reason is sensitivity. This gives you more dynamic range and helps with signal/noise ratio. The MXL is 15 times more sensitive than a typical dynamic like an SM58.

Because these mics are a lot hotter, you will almost surely need a circular windscreen pop filter to go with it. Otherwise, the mic will pop every time you sing into it. Also, you will need 48V phantom power to power the mic.

Mackovyak · Post by **Mackovyak** » Thursday Jan 12, 2006

What's up man.

I bought a MXL 990 a little over a year or two. It's a good mic, but a little thin sounding for lead vocals. You can eq it to get it back, but all around it's a great mic for the price.

Any more, I use it for acoustic guitars b/c I don't have to roll off any low end to keep it in the mix. For the price, it's a great mic, and I'd recommend one for anyone.

When I was still working at Otherworld, we A/B'd it to a Audio Technica 2020 and it really sounded much more natural and transparent. I also own a Behringer B-1 that I picked up for $25 on ebay. It sounds almost identical to the 990. A little bit more low end, but I'm assuming that's b/c of the larger diaphragm.

I'll be honest with you, the best mic that I've found for vocals (in my budget) is the KEL Audio HM-1. The damn thing was only $100 and I use it more than my $500 AKG.

http://www.kelaudio.com/hm1.html

Hope this helps.

Justin

FretBored · Post by **FretBored** » Thursday Jan 12, 2006

I have an MXL1006. I think it is a decent mic.

Keep in mind you will need a 48v Phantom Power supply to drive it.

Killjingle · Post by **Killjingle** » Friday Jan 13, 2006

The phantom power was never the issue. I was more curious about the capabilities. I have a friend that bought a 990 in a package deal deal and has no use for it, therefore he is going to let me check it out. Thanx for the replies.

Killjingle · Post by **Killjingle** » Tuesday Jan 31, 2006

The mxl 990 is a cool starting point! Not top of the line, but very transparent. I have it powered by an ART tube preamp I just bought, and Im impressed.