The sensitivity is rather better specified at 22mV/Pa and the maximum SPL before distortion exceeds one percent is 130dB. The mic's frequency range is quoted as being 30Hz-20kHz, but this is a pretty meaningless figure given that there are no limits specified and no frequency plot to refer to. It's a one-inch cardioid element with a six-micron gold-coated mylar diaphragm and, like many classic mics, it is centre terminated. The capsule itself is fairly conventional. Full 48V phantom powering is required to run the mic, and the conventionally wired XLR output has gold-plated pins to ensure a good connection. The output stage is transformerless, which surprised me, as the characteristics of transformers are often an integral part of what users think of as the tube sound. The FET circuit (the 'Silicone Valve') differs slightly from the FET preamps used in countless other capacitor mics, because it is biased to produce a similar level of second-harmonic distortion as is characteristic of a tube circuit. Their V6 is slightly unusual insomuch as the California-based design team have deliberately sought to create a classic valve-mic sound using solid-state circuitry - it's no surprise that a FET is at the heart of their circuit, as FETs have similar characteristics to tubes. Under review this month are three of their new large-diaphragm mics: the new V6, with its intriguing Silicon Valve technology, the 990, and the 992. MXL mics are built in China, but their body designs and finishes are quite distinctive and their circuitry is optimised especially for each model. Three new large-diaphragm mics from MXL include a model which attempts to recreate the sound of valves using solid-state technology.

Mxl 990 condenser microphone review