Detail 01
Cardioid pattern
Picks up what's in front and rejects the rear. Helps in untreated rooms, but you can't switch to omni or figure-8.
Product detailSKU #1274115046138
MXL990/991 Large- and Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone Bundle
Sale
1/6
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Two condenser mics in one box — a large-diaphragm 990 and a small-diaphragm 991. A starting point for a home recording setup.
Strong match
Who this is for
- A first home studio needing both a vocal mic and a detail mic
- Recording acoustic guitar with body and string detail at once
- Drum overheads or hi-hat work where the small-diaphragm mic fits
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Anyone who only records vocals and would rather put the money into one mic
- Setups with no phantom power — these won't run without it
- Loud sources needing a pad or high-pass switch on the mic
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
48V phantom power required
Your interface or mixer must supply it. Plugged into anything without phantom, these produce no signal at all.
Detail 03
6-micron gold-sputtered large diaphragm (990)
A thin, light diaphragm reacts fast to transients — that's what gives condensers their detail versus a dynamic mic.
Detail 04
30Hz–18kHz range
Full low end, with the top rolling off before 20kHz. Slightly softer air on cymbals and sibilants than a wider mic.
Detail 05
137dB max SPL
Handles loud sources — snare, guitar cab, brass — without the capsule distorting.
Detail 06
20dB self-noise, 78dB S/N
Audible hiss on very quiet sources like fingerpicking at low volume, especially with the preamp pushed hard.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01No interface or preamp included — you need one with 48V phantom power
- 02XLR cables and stands are not in the bundle
- 03A pop filter is a separate purchase for close vocal work
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01What's the difference between the 990 and 991?
The 990 has a large diaphragm, typically used for vocals and room body. The 991 has a small diaphragm, better suited to acoustic detail, overheads and percussion.
02Do I need an audio interface?
Yes. Both are condensers requiring 48V phantom power and an XLR input. They won't work plugged into a computer directly.
03Can I record loud drums with these?
They handle up to 137dB SPL, so yes. Placement matters more than the mic here — start with the small-diaphragm 991 on overheads.
04Are stands or cables included?
No. Plan on buying XLR cables and stands separately, plus a pop filter if you're tracking vocals up close.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
4 detailsSound
- Polar Pattern
- Cardioid
- Impedance
- 110W
- Frequency Range
- 30Hz ” 18kHz
- Sensitivity
- 15mV/Pa
4 detailsBody & build
- Metal Finish
- Champagne
- Color
- Gray
- Type
- Condenser pressure gradient mic with large, 6-micron gold-sputtered diaphragm
- Body Finish
- Champagne
1 detailsConnections & power
- Power Requirements
- Phantom Power 48V ±4V
1 detailsSize & weight
- Weight
- 1.2
5 detailsOther
- S N Ratio
- 78dB (Ref. 1Pa A-weighted)
- Max SPL For 0 5 Thd
- 137dB
- Current Consumption
- <3.0mA
- Size
- 22mm x 134mm
- Equivalent Noise Level
- 20dB (A weighted IEC 268-4)
