MXL 990/991 Condenser Microphone Bundle Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The MXL 990/991 Recording Microphone Package provides a versatile solution for various audio recording needs. This bundle includes two distinct studio condenser microphones: the MXL 990 large-diaphragm condenser microphone and the MXL 991 small-diaphragm condenser microphone. The MXL 990 is engineered to deliver a silky, sweet high end and a tight, solid bass response, making it suitable for recording vocals. The MXL 991 is designed as a superior instrument microphone, ideal for capturing acoustic guitars and drum overheads. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your MXL 990/991 microphone bundle.

2. What's in the Box

Your MXL 990/991 microphone bundle includes the following components:

• MXL 990 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
• MXL 991 Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
• Shock Mount (for MXL 990)
• Microphone Clip (for MXL 991)
• Hard Carrying Case

Image: The MXL 990 and MXL 991 microphones, along with their respective shock mount and microphone clip, neatly organized within the included hard carrying case.

3. Setup

Proper setup is crucial for optimal performance of your MXL condenser microphones. Both microphones require +48V phantom power for operation.

1. Mounting the Microphones:
   • For the MXL 990 (large diaphragm), attach it to the provided shock mount. The shock mount helps to isolate the microphone from vibrations and handling noise.
   • For the MXL 991 (small diaphragm), use the included microphone clip to secure it to a microphone stand.
   

   Image: The MXL 990 microphone securely attached to its shock mount on a microphone stand, ready for use.

   

   Image: The MXL 991 microphone secured by its microphone clip on a stand, typically used for instruments or overheads.

2. Connecting to Audio Interface/Preamp:
   • Connect each microphone to an audio interface or mixer using standard XLR cables.
   • Ensure your audio interface or mixer is capable of supplying +48V phantom power. Activate phantom power on the respective channels before use.
3. Positioning:
   • Position the microphones appropriately for your recording source. The MXL 990 is generally used for vocals, while the MXL 991 excels with acoustic instruments and as overheads.

4. Operating Instructions

Both the MXL 990 and 991 are condenser microphones with a cardioid polar pattern, designed to capture sound primarily from the front while rejecting sounds from the sides and rear. This helps in reducing background noise and focusing on the intended sound source.

MXL 990 (Large Diaphragm)

Image: Detailed view of the MXL 990, highlighting its large diaphragm design.

• Primary Use: Vocals, voice-overs, podcasting.
• Sound Characteristics: Offers a clear, bright sound with a strong low end, making vocals stand out.
• Placement: For vocals, position the microphone 6-12 inches from the vocalist, slightly off-axis to minimize plosives. Use a pop filter to further reduce plosive sounds.

MXL 991 (Small Diaphragm)

Image: Detailed view of the MXL 991, showcasing its slender, small diaphragm design.

• Primary Use: Acoustic instruments (guitars, strings), drum overheads, cymbals, percussion.
• Sound Characteristics: Known for its clear, detailed, and accurate sound reproduction, especially for high-frequency content.
• Placement: For acoustic guitars, aim the microphone towards the 12th fret at a distance of 6-12 inches. For drum overheads, use a stereo pair (if available) positioned above the drum kit to capture the overall sound and cymbals.

General Operation Tips

• Always ensure +48V phantom power is supplied to the microphones.
• Monitor your input levels to prevent clipping and distortion.
• Experiment with microphone placement to find the best sound for your specific recording environment and source.

5. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your MXL microphones, follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Cleaning: Gently wipe the microphone body with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using liquid cleaners or solvents, as these can damage the microphone's finish or internal components.
• Storage: When not in use, store the microphones in their original hard carrying case to protect them from dust, moisture, and physical damage.
• Handling: Handle microphones with care. Avoid dropping them or exposing them to extreme temperatures or humidity.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your MXL 990/991 microphones, consider the following common troubleshooting steps:

• No Sound:
  • Ensure +48V phantom power is activated on your audio interface or mixer.
  • Check all XLR cable connections for proper seating and integrity. Try a different cable if possible.
  • Verify that the input gain on your audio interface/mixer is turned up.
• Low Output/Weak Signal:
  • Confirm phantom power is active.
  • Increase the gain on your audio interface/mixer.
  • Ensure the microphone is positioned correctly and close enough to the sound source.
• Distortion/Clipping:
  • Reduce the input gain on your audio interface/mixer.
  • Increase the distance between the microphone and the sound source.
• Excessive Background Noise:
  • Ensure the recording environment is as quiet as possible.
  • Verify the microphone's cardioid pattern is correctly oriented towards the desired sound source.
  • Check for ground loops or faulty cables that might introduce hum or hiss.

7. Specifications

Key technical specifications for the MXL 990/991 microphone bundle:

Image: A visual representation of the MXL 990 and 991 microphones with their respective dimensions.

8. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the official MXL website or contact MXL customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.

For additional resources and product information, visit the MXL Store on Amazon.