« versatile »

This is a large diaphragm condenser microphone that I use quite frequently nowadays. It's a lot cheaper than many other large diaphragm condenser microphones that are of a similar quality. While it's generally used more for studios than live, I do think that it is a better option than most large diaphragm condensers for live because it's built tough and it is on the cheaper side, so it's more easily replaceable on the off chance that it does break (this is unlikely unless you are careless, though). There is only one cardioid pattern, which other reviews have mentioned, which is unfortunate but that's the trade-off that you make for having such a good price.


OVERALL OPINION

I like the surprisingly versatile use of this microphone. I have used a pair of them as overheads, which is a decidedly unique but often effective use for them. I have also used it in tandem with a dynamic mic on a guitar cabinet, which resulted in a fantastically detailed sound. I don't particularly like them as room mics as they don't have a more encompassing cardioid pattern. But there are certainly good uses for them, if you have no other options for vocals these aren't really a bad option, and they work on acoustic guitars well too. The sound is definitely not on par with a Neumann U87, or any tube-based condenser, but that's to be expected given the price difference between those mics and this one. Also, you don't have to worry about this one breaking on you and costing a fortune to fix. I think that for the home studio, or even some live situations, this is a great bet especially if you are on a budget (which, honestly, most of us are). Highly recommended unless you've already got better mics to work with but if you are looking for a mic with a good price tag you found 1!