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I’ve seen my fair share of microphones in my 20 years as a producer but the MXL 990 Blizzard really stands out with its sleek blue LED design.
But looks aren’t everything in the studio. Let’s see if this mic can deliver where it counts.
Bottom line
If you’re just starting out with home recording, the MXL 990 Blizzard could be a great first step.
It’s a large-diaphragm condenser mic, perfect for capturing vocals and acoustic instruments. The cardioid pickup pattern helps isolate your sound source, which is crucial in less-than-ideal recording spaces.
It’s versatile enough for vocals and acoustic instruments and offers good sound quality at a reasonable price point.
The LED feature might seem gimmicky, but it can be useful for visual feedback. Plus, its eye-catching design might just inspire you to record more often.
MXL 990 Blizzard The MXL 990 Blizzard is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone designed for capturing vocals and acoustic instruments. Its cardioid pickup pattern isolates sound sources, making it suitable for home recording in various environments.
- Crisp and clear sound quality with warm character
- Eye-catching vintage design with quality feel
- Versatile for vocals and acoustic instruments
- Solid metal build quality
- Outstanding value for money
- Requires audio interface with phantom power
- May pick up background noise (20dB-A self-noise)
- Limited to cardioid pattern only
- No switchable features (pad or filter)
- Lower SPL handling (130dB) than competitors
Key features
Audio quality
I was pleasantly surprised by the MXL 990 Blizzard’s sound quality. The mic captures vocals with clarity and warmth.
It’s great for recording acoustic instruments too. I noticed a slight boost in the high frequencies, which adds a nice sparkle to voices.
The frequency response of 30 Hz to 20 kHz is pretty standard for a mic in this range. I found it picked up the nuances in vocals well, from low chest tones to bright highs.
In my tests, the Blizzard handled vocals, acoustic guitar, and even drum overheads nicely. Its wide range lets you record various sources without swapping mics. This versatility is great for home studios with limited gear.
One thing to note: while the range is wide, it’s not flat. The mic adds a slight boost to high frequencies. This can add sparkle to vocals, but may need tweaking for some instruments.
The mic’s large diaphragm picks up subtle details and handles loud sounds well without distortion. However, it can be a bit sensitive to background noise. Therefore, you’ll want to make sure your recording space is well-treated.
The mic’s 200 ohm impedance is spot-on for home recording. It works well with most audio interfaces. I found it easy to get a strong, clean signal without cranking up the gain.
One downside is the lack of a built-in pop filter. For the best results, you should buy one separately.
Durability and build
I was impressed by the solid construction of this mic. The metal body has a sleek, icy look that matches the LED and feels weighty. It feels like it can handle the rigours of regular use.
The blue LED is a nice touch, adding a cool vibe to my studio setup. The light creates a relaxed, calming ambience that puts vocalists at ease. It can be a handy visual cue when recording. But if you find it distracting, you can always turn it off.
The mic comes with a basic clip mount, which does the job. But I’d recommend getting a shock mount for even better isolation.
One small gripe – the XLR cable isn’t included. You’ll need to buy one separately. But that’s pretty standard for mics in this price range.
Overall, the 990 Blizzard is built to last. It should hold up well to regular use in a home studio. The accessories are basic but functional. Just budget for that extra XLR cable.
Ease of use and versatility
The Blizzard’s cardioid pickup pattern focuses on sound from the front while reducing noise from the sides and back. It’s like having a sound shield built right into the mic that helps isolate your voice from room echoes and background noise.
I’ve used it in less-than-ideal spaces, and it’s made a big difference. The cardioid pattern also works well for instruments. I’ve recorded acoustic guitars and even some light percussion with great results.
It captures the essence of the instrument without picking up too much room sound.
One thing to note – you’ll need to position yourself or your instrument correctly to get the best sound. But once you’ve got it set up, the results are impressive for a mic in this price range.
Value for money
Overall, the 990 Blizzard delivers professional-sounding audio at a reasonable price.
It’s a solid choice for home studios and solo musicians looking to start building their recording setup.
Is the MXL 990 Blizzard worth it?
I’ve been using mics for decades, and this one’s a solid choice for home recording. It’s got a good sound for vocals and acoustic instruments.
Crisp and clear sound quality
Eye-catching design with blue LED light
Versatile for vocals and instruments
Solid build quality
Good value for money
Requires phantom power
May pick up background noise
Limited to cardioid pattern
Might be overkill for casual users
The build quality is sturdy, and it looks pretty cool with that blue LED. For the price, it’s hard to beat. It might not be top-of-the-line, but it’s more than enough for most home studios.
If you’re just starting out or want to upgrade from a basic USB mic, the MXL 990 Blizzard is a good bet. It’ll give your recordings a professional edge without breaking the bank.
Just remember, a great mic is only part of the equation. Room treatment and proper technique are just as important. But with this mic, you’re off to a cracking start.
Scoring
| Criterion | Score (out of 10) | Weight (%) | Weighted Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sound Quality | 8 | 30% | 2.40 |
| Ease of Use | 7 | 20% | 1.40 |
| Features | 7 | 15% | 1.05 |
| Build Quality | 8 | 15% | 1.20 |
| Value for Money | 9 | 10% | 0.90 |
| Compatibility | 7 | 5% | 0.35 |
| Innovation | 6 | 5% | 0.30 |
| Total Score | 100% | 7.6 |
Frequently asked questions
Yes, I’d recommend using a pop filter. It helps reduce plosives (those pesky ‘p’ and ‘b’ sounds).
The MXL 990 is sensitive, so a pop filter will improve your recordings. You can buy one cheaply or make your own with a wire hanger and tights.
The MXL 990 needs phantom power to work. This means:
- You must use it with an audio interface or mixer
- The device should supply 48V phantom power
- It won’t work with USB directly or battery power
Make sure your gear can provide phantom power before buying this mic.
