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MXL 990S

Cardioid Condenser Microphone

The MXL 990S is essentially a 990 with the addition of a switchable pad (-10dB) and high-pass filter (-6dB/octave @ 150Hz). As part of the “900 Series,” the 990S is sold exclusively through Guitar Center and its affiliates.

Aside from the finish colors and the height of the microphone, the MXL 770 is identical to the 990S. The two mics’ MSRPs, as of late 2012, are the same ($150).

The capsule assembly in the 990S can be found in the 770, 990, and MCA SP-1. It is MXL’s 603S/604 small-diaphragm model mounted within a brass baffle ring. The brass ring alters the capsule’s frequency and polar response.

The suspended area of the diaphragm has a 17mm diameter, with a 20mm backplate. The housing that contains these pieces has a 22mm diameter. See the 603S capsule listing for more mics with the same capsule.

The 770/990S circuit is a variation on the Schoeps transformerless design. A simpler version, with no pad and filter, is found in the MXL 990, MCA SP-1, MXL 2006, and MXL V63M.

The MXL 990S ships in a padded rigid plastic case with an elastic shockmount.

The MXL 990S is also known as: 990-S.

Specifications

Frequency Response - CardioidClick Graph to Compare!

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Cardioid (15 mV/Pa; 30 - 20,000 Hz)	Pad: -10dB (Via Switch) Filter: HPF: -6dB/octave @ 150Hz (Via Switch)

Capsule Dimensions	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 17.1mm Capsule diameter: 19.9mm Diaphragm gauge: 6 microns	200 Ohms (Low)	Max SPL: 130 dB Self-noise: 20.0 dB(A)

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
360g (12.70oz)	130mm (5.12'')	60mm (2.36'')	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications
Requires phantom power Phantom voltage: 48 ± 4v

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