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MXL 990 and MXL 770 are the two of the most popular microphones in talks for a long time. They are one of the best mics in terms of affordability, versatility, and quality as well.
Choosing the microphone between MXL 990 and MXL 770 is difficult because both the mics are best.
I will help you choose the microphone best for you by comparing MXL 990 and MXL 770 microphones based on features, performance, design, pricing, and much more. Do check it out and pick the best one for yourself.
MXL 990 Microphone
- Perfect addition to any home or project studio
- FET preamp with beautifully balanced sound
- Provides silky sweet high end and retains tight, solid low and midrange...
- Vintage body style with champagne finish
- Includes custom shockmount, mic stand adapter & carrying case
MXL 990 is also known as the “industry’s most groundbreaking microphone.” The microphone is still popular and in talks in most of the forums and groups. The microphone produces a very disciplined and consistent sound output which is best for vocals and studio recordings.
If you are looking for a microphone for the vocals and studio recording, then MXL 990 is the best recommendation that you will get.
MXL 990 is the pressure gradient condenser microphone with an analog microphone.
Features of MXL 990 Microphone
There are so many features of MXL 990 that make this mic versatile. Here are some of the core features that you should know.
VINTAGE DESIGN: The MXL 990 mic has a unique design with much better material used to make the microphone. If you love vintage designs, then MXL 990 has one of the best classic vintage designs.
CARDIOID POLAR PATTERN: The microphone has the fixed cardioid polar pattern, which captures the sound only from the front side of the mic consistently. That helps avoid the unnecessary voice from other sides of the microphone.
FET PREAMP: MXL 990 has the FET preamp with balanced output. It helps to increase the consistency and reliability of the microphone in sound output.
XLR CONNECTIVITY: The mic has XLR connectivity which is much easier to connect and use the mic. You don’t need the phantom power supply to use MXL 990 microphone.
FREQUENCY RESPONSE AND MAX SPL: MXL 990 microphone does have a frequency response of 30Hz to 20kHz and a max SPL of 130dB, which is much better for some instrumentals.
Technical Specifications of MXL 990 Microphone
| Microphone | MXL 990 |
| Type | Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz to 20KHz |
| Maximum SPL | 130dB |
| Impedance | 200 ohms |
| Polar Pattern | Fixed Cardioid Polar Pattern |
| Phantom Power | Required |
| Weight | 1.54 pounds (0.7 kg) |
| Dimensions | 6mm x 130mm |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz to 20KHz |
| Get it from here | Amazon |
Pros and Cons of MXL 990 Microphone
You can check out the in-depth MXL 990 Microphone Review to know more.
MXL 770 Microphone
- Multi-purpose condenser microphone
- Excellent for vocals, pianos, stringed instruments, and percussion
- Balanced bass response with high end clarity
- Low frequency roll-off to reduce unwanted rumble
- Low noise FET preamp with balanced, transformerless output
MXL 770 is popular due to some of the premium features that you get in this mic at affordable pricing. This is a microphone which is not just recommended for beginners only but many experts as well. The mic has some cool premium features that you can utilize much better if you know some technical stuff.
MXL 770 is the most popular small-diaphragm condenser microphone on the market. MXL 770 has one of the best and professional sound qualities you will get in most premium mics.
Features of MXL 770 Microphone
Here are some of the core features that you will get in the MXL 770 microphone.
STURDY DESIGN: The microphone has a very compact design, and it is tiny in terms of size as well. That’s quite handy for many users.
HIGH-QUALITY SOUND: As I said before, the mic has one of the best high-quality sounds you will find in other premium mics.
BEST SOUND CAPTURING: The microphone picks up the sound in a very natural way. You won’t get any issues with background noise and sound capturing.
FET PRE-AMPLITUDE: It helps to boost the sound with the low-level signals. It is helpful for instrumental recordings.
SWITCHABLE BASS CUT: You get the switchable button to control the mic’s bass cut, which gives you more control over how you can capture the bass.
FREQUENCY RESPONSE AND MAX SPL: The MXL 770 microphone has a frequency response of 30Hz to 20kHz and a max SPL of 137dB, much better for any instrumentals.
Technical Specifications of MXL 770 Microphone
| Type: | Pressure gradient condenser microphone |
| Diaphragm: | 6-micron gold-sputtered |
| Capsule Size: | 22mm/.87 in. |
| Frequency Response: | 30Hz – 20kHz |
| Polar pattern: | Cardioid |
| Sensitivity: | 15mV/Pa |
| Output Impedance: | 150 ohms |
| Pre-Attenuation Switch: | 0 dB, -10 dB |
| High Pass Filter: | 6 dB/octave @ 150Hz |
| Equivalent noise: | 20 dB (A-weighted IEC 268-4) |
| S/N Ratio: | 74 dB (Ref. 1 Pa A-weighted) |
| Max SPL for .5% THD: | 137 dB |
| Power Requirements: | 48V phantom power (+/- 4V) |
| Size: | 59mm x 158mm/2.32 in. x 6.22 in. |
| Weight: | 1 lb/453.59g |
| Metal Finish: | Black with black grill |
| Price | Amazon |
Pros and Cons of MXL 770 Microphone
You can check out the in-depth MXL 770 Microphone Review to know more.
MXL 990 Vs. MXL 770
Let’s take both the microphone one to one and compare them based on various things such as design, features, performance, pricing, etc.
Design: MXL 990 has a very classical vintage look for the microphone, and MXL 770 has a very compact and tiny look for the microphone. Both of the mics are kind of average in terms of design from my point of view.
In terms of design, it is always the personal choice which one to pick. I will like the MXL 990 being the vintage look person.
Built quality: The material used in both the mics are metal. Both of them are pretty reliable and durable in terms of the built quality of the microphone.
I will prefer MXL 770 as the winner in terms of built quality as it is much compact and reliable.
Features: Both of the mics have some extra features like a FET amp and some premium features. If you have more microphone features, you always get more control over the sound output.
MXL 770 microphone does have some extra premium features than MXL 990. Thus MXL 770 mic is the perfect winner in terms of elements in the microphone.
Sound Quality: This is the essential thing of any microphone out there. You need the best sound quality in any microphone that you are purchasing.
To be honest, I have checked the sound quality of both the mics, and I haven’t found any difference in them while doing standard studio recording. Both the mics pick up the sound proficiently and produce the best premium sound output.
For studio recordings and vocals, both the mics are perfect. For more high-pressure sounds like instrumentals, guitar, drums, etc. MXL 770 is much better due to its high max SPL.
Pricing: There is not much of the difference in terms of pricing in both the mics. Both the mics come under the affordable budget microphones category for beginners.
There is only a $10-$20 difference between MXL 990 and MXL 770, being MXL 990 a bit cheaper than MXL 770. But MXL 770 adds it up with some extra features compared to the 990. Thus, I won’t say anything in terms of pricing. You get a better deal in both the microphones.
Conclusion: Which one to pick? MXL 990 or MXL 770?
You have gone through both the mics. Both the mics are perfect for beginners who are just starting. To conclude everything, I will suggest getting MXL 990 Microphone for those who are more into studio recordings, podcasting, live streaming, etc., and get MXL 990 Microphone if you are ever going to record some instrumentals.
You won’t regret getting any microphones as both of them are the perfect picks for beginners.
Do you still have anything to ask? Do let me know. Till then, you can read some of the other microphone reviews as well.
MXL 550 Review: Microphone Features, Pros, and Cons
MXL 4000 Review: Microphone Features, Pros, and Cons
MXL V63M Review: Microphone Features, Spec, Pros & Cons
MXL V67G Review: Mic Features, Specs, Pros, and Cons
MXL R80 Ribbon Microphone Review