The MXL 990 is a great starter condenser microphone, with a bright and detailed sound for your instruments and vocals. This side-addressed small-diaphragm condenser employs transformerless electronics for transparency and clarity, and the cardioid polar pattern only picks up what's in front of it, reducing noises and reflections behind the mic. With a wholly affordable price that any musician can manage, the 990 was a breakthrough product for MXL and remains a home studio staple.