recs for MXL mics

[scottb]

There's a sale at Musicians Friend on MXL mics. Any of these worth having. Most reviews are good. Prices seem very good.

Any advice on which would be the best one get?

[Jim Alfredson]

MXL 603s (I believe the 991s are similar and the 993 share the same capsule with slightly different electronics) are great mics. The 2001 and 2003 are very good, as well. The tube mic (69me?) is good, too.

Stay away from the 990.

AH, I just looked at the sale and they have all the ones that are custom made for Musicians Friend, not the old standby's like the 603s. I think the 993s are good. I can't speak for the rest of them.

[WD45]

Aww man, I love the 990! I have a pair that I use for field recordings and minimal-miking the very loud doom rock band I am in.

[Jim Alfredson]

If you try the 603s or 604, you will not love the 990 anymore. Same capsule, same electronics, but the weird plastic ring they put around the capsule and the shape of the mic's body totally messes it up.

Seriously, try the 603s. They are fair superior, even stock. Now, do some simple capacitor upgrades and they become really good. Replace all the preamp electronics with the Royer tube mod, and they become amazing!