• Cardioid polar pattern, ultra-thin diaphragm, transformerless preamplifier circuitry.
• Switchable pad (25dB, 15dB) for very high input SPL sources.
• Class A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier for transparency, extremely fast transient response, no crossover distortion, and minimal harmonic and intermodulation distortion
• Low self-noise and extended frequency response.
• Three-position switchable low-frequency filter reduces background noise and counteracts proximity effect
• Class A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier for transparency, extremely fast transient response, no crossover distortion
• Cardioid polar pattern, ultra-thin diaphragm, transformerless preamplifier circuitry
• Switchable pad (25dB, 15dB) for very high input SPL sources

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This all-in-one Recording Ensemble delivers outstanding performance for both vocals and instruments. Ideal for quality oriented but budget-mindful musicians the MXL 550/551 includes the MXL 550 a robust vocal condenser microphone with exceptional clarity and tonal quality as well as the MXL 551 instrument microphone with the dynamic range needed for acoustic guitars drums high-hat cymbals pianos percussion stringed instruments and more.

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The MXL 990/MXL 991 Recording Mic Package is a 2-microphone kit with the latest in MXL’s range of studio condenser microphones. The 990 has silky, sweet high end and a tight solid bass, perfect for recording vocals. The 991 is a superior instrument microphone designed for recording acoustic guitar and drum overheads. Both have gold-sputtered diaphragms (20mm) creating a professional sound perfectly suited for digital and analog recording. The MXL 990/MXL 991 Recording Mic Package includes a high-impact carrying case and mic stand adapters.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Aspiring Artist Seeks Mean Mic.
I bought this condenser mic. combo-set about two years ago. I had received an interface (fire-wire, from guitar/mic to computer)the previous Christmas and decided it was time for a serious equip upgrade. The problem? I was low on funds. However, per a serendipitous find at my local guitar boutique, I came across this Microphone set. The salesman had me questioning my buy by offering precautions against cheaply priced equip. (he worked on commission) but at the end of the day price won over quality and I sauntered back to my recording den with the MXL 991/990 (pair) in hand.

Aside from the jaunty carrying case and foam buffers, the set was straight forward: One Uni-directional Mic, One Choir Mic (cables sold separately). I opened, plugged(P48 req.), and tested. The microphones were great! The lows were fat and highs were crystal clear. The 990 is great for vocals and the 991 is great for instruments. I have no professional studio practice to speak of, but from my experience, both mics. have extremely dynamic properties and are great for either @home or in-studio recording. This set is great for the low budget aspiring artist, or money strapped pod-caster.

5 Stars finally technology i can afford
i have been into recording for about 20yrs now, and had never had a condensor mic, i must say, its a huge difference. even over a sm57 or 58. nice and clean sound. and as far as know most condensor mics do require phantom power, good news here though, you can find tube mic pre amps with phantom for a descent price, and it does improve the sound of the mic(even moreso than installed phantom on digital recorders) i recieved these mics, along w a set of fostex pm04monitors, w two stands, two xlrs, and a set of headphones for 212$ from musicians friend.

trickle down technology! please trickle down.

5 Stars Great mics, good price.
This is a great deal for those looking to record acoustic guitar and vocals. The vocals mic works great even without a pop filter. The instrument mic is small but records very well. They come in a nice and small case with two stand hook ups. The best part is that they are very cheap but still produce a good sounding recording.

4 Stars Fair for the price!
I’ve been working in radio broadcasting for about 6 years in my life..so when I’m telling you this is a decent deal, you should trust me.

Given the price, the sound of the MXL 990 and 991 is more than fair..is more than I expected.

With a bit of touch you can capture instruments and voice like a pro.I would say 90-95% ..you are there.

Since these mics require phantom power, be sure you have your mixer equipped with phantom power or buy a pre-amp that has one.Also you will probably need a tripod as well.Don’t be cheap on cables – bad ones can pickup ground noise or other noise..if possible use balanced connections between your mixer and your computer..(if that’s what you using for recording).Other than that..warm, round sound..you have to play with them until you get your perfect sound.I rarely give 5 star to a product, that’s the reason for 4 out of 5.

I’ve been using them to capture acoustic guitar and voice.

3 Stars OK, but you may outgrow them quickly
1st The bigger one has the same size capsule as the smaller one. It has a better bass response due to mounting. Neither of these is a Large Diaphram Condenser, but they can get you some higher frequency response in your recordings. The 990, with its larger frame lends itself to many mods and there are even a few companies that will get it sounding quite good compared to $800 SDCs. If you have a PC/or DigitalWorkstation set up this could get you started getting things recorded fairly quickly but in the long run you are better off with with an Audix i5 or Shure SM57 and then one of the LDC’s from AKG Perception , Oktava Mk219 or Mk319 or an inexpensive MXL, Marshal, or Rode. If you are looking for recording drums you might get usable results with these using the recorderman technique and a kick drum mic. They are usable but a LDC or even SM58 would be better on vocals. On acoustic instruments they might shine better than most < $100 dynamics. I picked them up when I needed OH's in a pinch last year. Take what I say as personal opinion. They may be great for you but they aren't the smoothest or the cleanest but they are better than nothing if that is the situation. Save and buy better if you can.

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AUDIO TECNICA CONDENSER

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The Shure SM81 Instrument Condenser Microphone is perfect for acoustic guitarists and Instrumentalists. The SM81 lets you reproduce your instrument with the highest fidelity.The razor flat 20 to 20K frequency response of this low impedance, unidirectional, cardioid condenser mic is faithful to every nuance of your expression. Built-in 10Db attenuator. Requires phantom power from board or external source.The Shure SM81 is a high-quality, unidirectional condenser microphone designed for studio recording, broadcasting, and sound reinforcement. Its wide frequency response, low noise characteristics, and low RF susceptibility have made it a standard for applications involving acoustic instruments, especially guitar, piano, and cymbals.The SM81 is ruggedly constructed. It operates on phantom power and performs over a wide range of temperatures and humidity conditions. It is furnished with a swivel adapter, attenuator-switch lock, foam windscreen, and case for carrying and storage. Other accessories are available.Shure SM81FeaturesA standard for acoustic instruments, including guitar and cymbals20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency responseFlat response curve for accurate reproduction of sound sourcesLow noise and high output clipping levelLow distortion over a wide range of load impedancesCardioid polar pattern, uniform with frequency and symmetric about axis, providing maximum rejection and minimum coloration of off-axis soundsLow RF susceptibilitySelectable low-frequency response: flat, 6 or 18 dB/octave rolloff0 dB/10 dB lockable attenuator switchPhantom powering (DIN 45 596 voltages of 12 to 48 Vdc)Rugged steel construction for durabilityField-usable over wide range of temperature and humidity conditionsWindscreen included

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This miniature condenser microphone achieves full-sounding pickup and is known for outstanding consistency and dependable performance. The PRO 70 is designed to make music and speech clearly and comfortably audible, yet never draw attention to itself or its operation. The microphone is equipped with a low-frequency roll-off switch that allows for reduced pickup of room noise. The versatile PRO 70 may be powered by either battery or phantom power. Its cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of the desired sound source.

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The Apex165 is particularly suited for many different types of instruments including sax, trumpet, trombone, woodwinds, acoustic (especially classical) guitars and drums. It has also been successfully utilized (with user modifications to the clamp assembly) on violins and violas, accordions and ducilmers. Don’t let its size fool you. This microphone handles the high SPL you would expect when close micing a tom or brass wind instrument. The Apex165′s miniature design comes complete with shockmount assembly and gooseneck clamp, perfect for safe attachment to brass instruments, conga rims and drum rims without damaging or breaking the chrome or lacquer. It’s unobtrusive, easy to attach to any instrument and almost impossible to accidentally dislodge, even during enthusiastic live performances.

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The MXL 993 Condenser Mics Stereo Pair includes the latest in quality instrument microphone technology. Using transformerless FET circuitry and a gold diaphragm capsule design, the 993 delivers the dynamic range required in the most demanding instrument microphone applications. It has a silky, open sound with a wide dynamic range essential for accurate, instrument recording. With a 20Hz-20kHz frequency range, 10dB switchable attenuation, selectable -10dB low-frequency roll-off, and sturdy brass enclosure, the MXL 993 is perfect for guitar and overhead drum miking. Includes deluxe carrying case and mounting clips. Requires phantom power.

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The MXL V67N is a robust condenser microphone that provides just the right amount of power, presence and clarity. Hand-selected components and transformer-balanced output deliver a solid bottom end and exposed top, making it perfect for drums, piano, guitar, choirs, and many other applications. Plus the V67N is internally wired with world-class MogamiŽ cable for sonic integrity in every session.

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