MXL 550 Microphone Price, Specs, Reviews & Discussions

About the MXL 550 mic

The MXL 550 is a pressure-gradient condenser microphone that’s positioned as the “vocal” half of MXL’s 550/551 kit. While it’s always bundled with the 551 instrument mic, the 550 itself deserves attention as a standalone budget-friendly large-diaphragm option for vocals, acoustic instruments, and basic studio use. It requires 48V phantom power, connects via XLR, and is built around a cardioid polar pattern, which helps reject sound from behind while staying sensitive enough to pick up detail in front of the capsule.

Build quality is decent for its price point. The 550 has an all-metal body and grille with a bit of heft, though it’s not as heavy or “luxury-feeling” as pricier condensers. The red gloss finish with chrome grille is the common version, but there’s also a blue edition that some people find more visually appealing. Aesthetics aside, it’s a straightforward mic—no pads, filters, or switches on the body. The package includes a basic hard mount and a carrying case, which is handy for protection, though the plastic mounts don’t absorb shock well, so a separate suspension mount is a worthwhile upgrade if you plan to record regularly.

On the sound side, the MXL 550 is a pleasant surprise. It has a frequency response of 30 Hz–20 kHz and handles up to 130 dB SPL. In practice, it delivers a warm, slightly boosted low end and a lifted high end, with a presence peak around 10 kHz that adds brightness. This makes it flattering on many voices, particularly for singing or voice-over, though it can emphasize sibilance if the source is already sharp. The mic is also sensitive to plosives, so a pop filter is strongly recommended. On instruments, it works well enough—acoustic and electric guitar both sound serviceable, if a bit warmer than neutral.

Being a condenser, the 550 is sensitive and will pick up room noise and reflections if your space isn’t treated. That makes it less suitable for podcasting or streaming setups where background rejection is critical; in those cases a dynamic mic would be the better choice. Its self-noise is rated at 20 dB (A-weighted), which is in the typical range for budget condensers—quiet enough for most home recording, but not completely silent for very delicate sources. The cardioid pattern provides decent side rejection, but you’ll still want to control your recording environment for the best results.

Overall, the MXL 550 is a solid entry-level studio condenser that offers good sound quality for the money. It shines most as a first vocal mic for home studios, cover artists, or beginner voice-over work. At around $119 (for the bundle), it’s affordable and comes as part of a two-mic kit, even if you’re mostly interested in the 550 itself. It’s not the most versatile or refined microphone, but as a starting point it can produce recordings that feel “studio-ready” without breaking the bank.

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Technical Specs

MXL 550 Mic user manual

MXL 550 Prices*

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Amazon USA

119.95 USD

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