Having been an active vocalist for almost ten years, I would highly recommend this microphone to anyone looking for an upgrade. Prior to owning this mic I used a Shure SM58 for about seven years, but after that time I felt as though I was working too hard to get the nuance I wanted while playing. Also, during long gigs I found that my voice would show more fatigue as I began working to sing songs more musically with finer detail to inflection and other vocal effects. I purchased this mic after performing a side by side comparison with several Audix Mics, Shure Beta 87, and several Sennheiser products and to my ears this mic won easily. It provides a very clear and uncolored sound while maintaing a great deal of detail and presence. This mic very naturally cuts through a mix without sounding harsh, and therefore is probably better suited for a lead vocalist. I also am a co-owner for a small regional sound company and this is the mic that we always give to the artists that will use a wired mic. So far its worked for: Pure Prairie League, Mel McDaniel, and will soon be used by T Graham Brown, as well as several other lesser-known artists. I don't claim to be an expert on sound, but I feel that I probably know enough to tell most consumers that this is a great purchase, and if used properly this mic will provide years of service.

This mic is an amazing mic for live vocals. Tons of clean gain, crisp, clean sound that cuts through any mix. I've used it in many live settings and it has always gotten the job done. I've also used the wireless version of this mic, and it too is a great mic.

This mic sounds great but has too much gain. I bought a Shure Condensor, and another brand condensor. Of the 3, this is the hardest to use live due to it being so powerful. It's hard to control compared to the Shure condensor. Of the 3, the Shure condensor is the best.

This microphone has an amazing sound. Very clear and crisp. Great for female vocals.

This is a great vocal mic, especially on male voices. It cuts through the mix with incredible clarity and with little need for EQ. Any professional who likes the 4050 will love this mic.