Comparing the MXL 990 microphone vs the Rode NT1A.

Hello, my name is Sebastian (Hive account@nueve9). I am an audio engineer graduated from audioplace in venezuela. I am specialized in the areas of mixing, recording, live sound (PA) and mastering. You can listen to my latest works published here and here

In this post I will give you my opinion about the microphones MXL 990 andRode NT1A based on the technical characteristics of each one and my personal experience with these 2 microphones.

I will start comparing technical aspects with the MXL 990

• Tipology: condenser (If you do not know what a condenser microphone is, you can watch this link)
• Polar pattern: cardioid
  (If you do not know what a polar pattern is link)
• Frequency response: 30 Hz - 20 kHz
• Impedance: 200 ohms
• sensitivity: 15mV / Pa
• Equivalent noise level: 20 dB A
  More informacton
  

Now I will go with the technical aspects of the Rode NT1A

• Typology: condenser
• Polar pattern: cardiode
• Frequency response: 20Hz - 20 kHz
• Impedance: 100ohms
• sensitivity: 31.9dB re 1 Volt / Pascal (25.00mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB @ 1kHz
• Equivalent noise level: 5dBA
  More information
  

The technical aspects of Rode NT1A are higher than those of MXL 990 additional when you buy a Rode NT1A this includes an antipop filter, a high quality cable and a case. While the MXL 990 usually includes another additional microphone known as the mxl 991.

Now my experience with these mikes has been really amazing recording voices and melodic and harmonic musical instruments like guitars, basses, double basses and keys. The Rode has a huge advantage when we have to work with delicate recordings where I look for dynamics and clarity, while the 990 is perfect to get presence. The 990 captures low frequencies in an extraordinary way almost similar to a podcast microphone but is not sensitive to noise and dynamics without mentioning that its frequency response is not similar to RodeNT1A. I would like to add that both are very good microphones and are a very good investment for a study. They are really very versatile and are quite economical in relation to what these offer.

Finally remember that the condenser microphones needPhantom power and a good recording chain represents a good microphone, a good preamp and a good A / D converter.

Thanks for reading this article, if you have any questions leave them in the comments!