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Marshall Electronics MXL 990 - User Manual

Marshall Electronics MXL 990
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Pressure Gradient
Condenser Microphone
A Division of Marshall Electronics
310-333-0606
800-800-6608
Fax: 310-333-0688
www.mxlmics.com
sales@mxlmics.com
Warranty
MXL microphones are guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship
for one year from the date of purchase. If you encounter any problem with this unit,
promptly contact the company from which you purchased it for assistance. The
original dated sales receipt will be necessary for any warranty claim. Do not send
any unit directly to us without prior authorization from our service department.
Warranty coverage is limited to repair or replacement (at our option) of the
microphone, and does not cover incidental damages due to use of this unit, nor
damage caused by accidental misuse of this product.
990
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Overview

The MXL 990 is a pressure-gradient condenser microphone designed for various audio recording applications. It is characterized by its 22mm capsule with a gold-sputtered diaphragm and a fixed cardioid pickup pattern. This design makes it highly sensitive, capable of capturing subtle sonic details, but also prone to picking up sounds outside its main pattern, which necessitates careful placement and isolation to avoid feedback.

Function Description:

The MXL 990 functions as a condenser microphone, converting sound waves into electrical signals. Its pressure-gradient design means it responds to the difference in sound pressure between the front and back of its diaphragm, contributing to its detailed sound capture. The cardioid polar pattern is designed to pick up sound primarily from the front, rejecting sound from the sides and rear, making it suitable for isolating a sound source in a recording environment.

Important Technical Specifications:

  • Type: Pressure gradient condenser microphone
  • Capsule: 6 micron gold-sputtered
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, indicating a wide range of sound capture from low bass to high treble.
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid, focusing sound capture from the front.
  • Sensitivity: 15mV/Pa, reflecting its ability to convert sound pressure into electrical voltage.
  • Max SPL for .5% THD: 130 dB, indicating the maximum sound pressure level it can handle before reaching 0.5% total harmonic distortion.
  • Impedance: 200 ohms
  • Equivalent Noise Level: 20 dB (A-weighted IEC 268-4), representing the inherent noise generated by the microphone itself.
  • Power Requirements: Phantom power 48V (+- 4V), essential for its operation.
  • Size & Weight: 60mm x 130mm / 2.36 in. x 5.11 in, weighing 544.3g / 1.2 lbs.
  • Metal Finish: Champagne.

Usage Features:

The MXL 990 requires phantom power (48V +/- 4V) to operate. Users are advised to ensure that the phantom power on their mixer or separate power supply is switched on if no sound is heard. Due to its sensitivity, experimentation with microphone placement and isolation requirements is recommended, with initial gain settings kept low to prevent equipment or ear damage. The use of a mesh pop-filter or foam windscreen is strongly advised, especially for vocals closer than 3 inches, to prevent moisture from damaging the capsule. The microphone comes with a custom shockmount and a mic stand adapter, along with a carrying case. The shockmount helps to isolate the microphone from vibrations and handling noise. Users should ensure the shockmount's nylon bands are centered and the wire clamp does not rest on the chassis to maintain mechanical isolation. The mount should be slid all the way to the rim of the microphone for a secure hold. The quality of the interconnect cable significantly impacts sound quality, so using the best possible microphone cable is recommended.

Maintenance Features:

To ensure optimal performance and longevity, the MXL 990 should always be stored in its original box to protect it from dust and foreign material, which can degrade its performance over time. It should be stored in a cool, dry place, ideally with the included packet of silica gel to absorb moisture. Preventing moisture from reaching the diaphragm, particularly during vocal recordings, is crucial as it can substantially degrade the microphone's performance. The microphone is covered by a one-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship from the date of purchase. For any issues, users should contact the company from which they purchased it, providing the original dated sales receipt. Warranty claims require prior authorization from the service department, and coverage is limited to repair or replacement, excluding incidental damages or damage caused by accidental misuse.

Marshall Electronics MXL 990 Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandMarshall Electronics
ModelMXL 990
CategoryMicrophone
LanguageEnglish

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