Feature:
M-Audio have done their very best in fine tuning the diaphragm and controls and switches on this monster. The 200ft power cable is very efficient with absolutely no power loss or loss in signal strength. Come with its own power supply which is also another neat thing about this mic. Everything you can ever want is in its dedicated flight case.

Quality:
Excellent, from the chrome off of its backing plate to the sound off of it's diaphragm. This will be the closest to mics like Telefuken, Neumanns, Brauner, Lauten Audio, etc, for its price. Get rid of those $300 microphones, you have nothing until you have this to complete your studio. Not even RODE's best mics can top this baby.

Value:
I'm a 17 year old pursuing artist and I have tried many different microphones in the past to record. And everyone of them have had their pros and cons, but this work of art is simply stunning. This mic is worth more than $800 with all it's features and benefits.

Desirability:
If you have about a grand to spare, get this right here.

Sound:
The sound out of this microphone is so smooth and so soft and with the open back design, it really does gives the most clearest transparent sound possible.

Ease of Use:
Just simply hook it up to a quality interface or mixer board and you're ready to be off (beware the warning of using phantom power, for it has its own power up method). M-Audio have supplied a 200ft power cable which helped me a great deal in the proper placement of this microphone. But just to be safe, read the manual before you try to set this one up, it isn't difficult however, there is valuable information in the manual in order for lift off.

Support:
None needed whatsoever, manual is right there, just read and set the date for lift off and you are sure to be the first one amongst your friends to go above and beyond (hence the name Sputnik).

Overall:
I give this beast an overall 10. Nothing like it. This was the smartest upgrade from my noisy CAD Trion 6000.

Feature:
3 pickup patterns, (Cardioid, Figure 8 and Omni) and a LF rolloff. Comes with Shockmount (AND a spare elastic I might add), power supply, 7 pin cable, microphone cover, and a sexy carrying case. I can't believe all that is included at this price.

Quality:
Solid. Heavy. Shockmount is well made.

Value:
For the price, I don't think you'll find a better mic. M-Audio makes some audacious claims about this mic, but it really DOES actually deliver.

Desirability:
The ladies love it. This thing is a sexy head-turning beast, shiny and space age looking. It's my favorite piece of gear to bring out to impress the clients. People love singing into it (especially when they hear how good they sound).

Sound:
All I can say is WOW. This mic sounds amazing. I've never used a C-12 or U-47, so I can't say that it measures up to the classics, but it IS the nicest mic I've ever used. Right out of the box I did a quick acoustic guitar track and vocal to see how it performed and I was blown away. With no EQ or effects, it sounded ready for mastering. The pickup patterns are great. The proximity effect on cardioid and figure 8 was less pronounced than a lot of the other condensers I have which leaves the sound more open and true, but it's still there when you need it for close sounding vocals. Rear rejection on cardioid was perfect, allowing you to record in a less than perfect environment if necessary. Loud volumes don't even phase this mic. It's a workhorse, with finesse. Detailed but forgiving, like your own ears.

Ease of Use:
It's a tube mic, so there's a little more setup required with the power supply, but that pretty much just impresses musicians in the studio.

Overall:
This mic does a lot of heavy lifting for you. It takes less time to find a good placement because it has such a natural open sound. If you have a good recording room, just leave it on omni and put it wherever you want. It'll sound good. M-Audio nailed it on this one.