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

I would get the 2003a instead. Not much more expensive and a whole lot less "Chinesey". It's actually a very good mic!

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

jbow


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).



Julien

The MXL 2003a (also sold as the CR in the CR24 condenser kit) is a great allrounder and very kind on sibilance. It much less bright than my sE2200a and AKG c214 LDCs, but brighter than my Kel Audio HM7U.


With the MXL, I often add a little high shelf on critical tracks like finger-picked acoustic to open it up. But for layers of choir, I find it doesn't need EQ at all most of the time. 


I'm somewhat of sceptical of mic-mods, since it's not easy to know exactly what you're getting for the money (mic-modders never seem to have before and after samples on their websites). 

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.

fireberd

They all tended to be a bit trebly for vocals, regardless of the recording interface I used.   

That's where the 2003a differs from (AFAIK) ALL other MXL mics (unlike many, I don't like the V67 series at all). At $149 (or $199 for the CR24 pack) it's a bargain!

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.