I love microphones, so I am always looking at different ones as well as different preamps. they all have th eir own personalities and it's always nice to have those choices, especially in the digital worls of recording nowadays.

Sound
This microphone is warm, clear, and handles igh spl as well. I have used several vintage tube microphones and this mcrophone holds it's own with them. i bought two of the sight unseen and they are being used every day next to Neumann Sm-69s, U-87 modified by Klaus Hein, AKG C-60 small diaphargm tube mic, and a Neumann CRV-251. When I first tried it on acoustic guitar I was really impressed in the respect that I usually have to EQ my Martin Herringbone after recording it, because it is so loud, but when I used this microphone on it, it recorded it as a very balanced, warm and slightly compressed tone. It sounded much like old analog vintage recordings of a great guitar. This was all recorded digitally with Pro Tools HD and a Manley microphone preamp. The different settings all work great and I use the figure eight a lot for MS stereo recordings. No problems and nothing but great recordings. Same with vocals. terriffic! ALl sounds are great, and it sounds great by itself. I've used it many times as the only microphone on a guitar because I just had not time to get fancy and it did a great job. Other equipment I use with it, the Manley dual mono mic preamp, Presonus M-80 eight channel mic pre, and Focusrite… read more silver series mic pres on a Control 24. Also used it with Neve preamps, same results with all of these, nothing but good stuff. Plus, you can't beat the price for the quality and level of this microphone. Most poeple don't even know about it bcause it is not carried by many places. I found out about it because I taught guitar at a store that was a Rode dealer, se we got employee accomodations, and I bought two sight unseen because of the jensen transformer and the tube design, along with the muktiple pattern option, case, shockmount and cables. It would have been crazy for me not to get them at the price I was getting then for. I have NEVER regretted purchasing them and i would buy them againat retail or this price I see them at now (roughtly !500-1600 dollars) It's a no brainer! If someone wants a great sounding microphone that is consistant sounding, reliable, and mimics the sound of something that would otherwise cost you ten thousand dollars ( an AKG Vintage C-12 fir instance) this is the microphone. I also have two NTKs and they sound great too, just different tube and transformers, and one pattern. Great vocal or instrument mics when needed. they held their own against the big boys too! Tips to make it sound better? It may be a little more high end responsive than an older tube mic of it;s nature, so it might sound that way compard to a vintage high dollar version of that tube and transformer. Nothing a little EQ can;t take care of if you want to try and match the tone to an old vintage monster!

Features
Yes, a shock mount, a nice metal case, and power supplyhand cables.

Ease of Use
Plug it in.

Quality
Sturdy, robust and grea looking. Well put together and beefy.

Value
can't beat it.

Manufacturer Support
Yes, friendly, helpful and responsive. Warranty work is great. I had to send back two NTKs and they took care of them no problem and quick. The diaphragms were mounted finky at first and they changed the way they are mounted so the problem is now gone for good. It took about a week to send them and get them back and they paid for shipping I think.

The Wow Factor
I guess so. I don't really go for that. I want functionalty. It is nice looking microphone and well built though so people whould like it when they see it and it feels and looks like a super expensive tube mic.

Musical Background:
recording Engineer, Producer, Pro Studio Owner.College Pro Tools Instructor

Musical Style:
multiple styles read less