TAKSTAR Condenser Microphone with Windscreen, Professional Cardioid Mic, XLR Gold-Plated Diaphragm Recording Microphone for Singing, Studio, Instrument, Interview, Radio Stations, Broadcast - CM-60

I use this TAKSTAR model to record everything from solo instruments to full orchestras. While it is a relatively small diaphragm unit the signal to noise ratio has been excellent and it handles quite high SPLs with no distortion. The frequency response, as shown in its spec sheet, is almost ruler flat from 20 Hz to 17 kHz, ensuring a completely natural, uncolored sound. The cardioid pattern and polar frequency response is very good, allowing these to work very well in an ORTF configuration. I have a $600 coincident capsule condenser microphone, but I've found these microphones to provide slightly more extended low end and similar high-end. These have become my favorites for general recording! The case is nicely machined and painted, and material quality is excellent. I recommend this model without reservation for most any field or studio recording.

I bought this with the intention of using it as a donor body and circuit for a microphone parts sdc capsule (which costs 5x what this entire microphone costs!). I have to say, when I tested this microphone out stock, I was actually very surprised by how good it sounded as is. With the capsule replacement, it rivals a Neumann km184, but even with the stock capsule I would still say this mic is worth every penny. It even comes with a dual 5/8 and 3/8 microphone clip! Never seen one of those before!

Fantastic mic. It works perfectly for recording.

Great drum overhead

So, I compared this to PGA-81. This sounds stuffy and doesn't seem to capture a lot of high end. I am going to use these for drum overheads so ... probably fine that they aren't great at picking up high frequency details. I wouldn't use this to record stringed instruments or anything.