Opinion? IS the MXL 990XL worth the bother to buy and upgrade with a kit...

It is on sale for 89.99 at MF.
 
http://microphone-parts.com/mod-kits/mxl-990-upgrades/
 
Or... would I do better to just buy an SM7 and mod my MXL 2001?
 
http://recordinghacks.com/articles/one-tube-microphone-from-berlin/
 
Thanks,
 
Julien

Well, I already have the 2001. So is that a consideration? I bought it when I didn't know any better and really, I plan on buying an SM7 anyway.... but upgrading the 2001 would seem a no-brainer. Buying and upgrading the 990 is a whole 'nuther question since I don't have it.
Of course it would probably be cheaper and better to buy a Guage... http://www.gauge-usa.com/Gauge_Microphones/Home.html , most of them fit my budget.
I have bought too many things with not enough information, like a ribbon mic not realizing it needs extra power of course that is easily fixed... but some things aren't.

Now I am realizing that if I want to layer vocals (or guitars) using a lower end condenser might not be a good option for layering or adding harmonies because of adding unwanted sibilance. If I understand correctly, a decent dynamic mic on top of the condenser will probably be better... or different condensers.... (trying to learn here without wasting too much money).

Thank you for the reply!

Julien

I recently got rid of all my MXL mic's.  I had two 990's and another condenser.  They all tended to be a bit trebly for vocals, regardless of the recording interface I used.   I saw info on modifying them on the gearslutz forum but even though I'm an electronics geek I decided against trying to mod one.

I've tried using the MXL's with a Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 and my current equipment a Roland Octa-Capture and an MAudio Fastrack Ultra 8R.  They were the same with all the units.

I'm now using an AT 2035 and its working out much better.  Its not a high $$ mic, but is working well for vocals - both male and female.

Personally I can't see me ever thinking it's worth the money to mod a 990.  I'd rather spend that money on a better mic to begin with.

I've owned a 990 before and it will work for an entry level mic.  but it's a small diaphram condensor (even tho it has a case like an LD), it's thin and tinny sounding, as a cheap entry level mic usually is.

my "goto" mic is a Shure KSM-27.  they're no longer in production, but the SM-27 is practically the same mic.