Contrary to the criticism on many sites, this mic proved itself to be incredibly useful for miking lead and rhythm guitar. So much so, you can get the same sound of a direct box or recording direct VIA cabinet simulator. What makes this superior to that technique is, positioning and wind screens allow you to eliminate signal garbage and transient noise that are impossible to eliminate from direct signal recording.

It's a condenser pencil AKA mini Boom or mini Shotgun mic as it's also known. These mics are highly sensitive while having a 360 degree response range that is more or less, intended to be aimed like a gun firing a focused beam at the sound source. They produce great isolation from outside sound sources in this manner or, can be hung high overhead and pick up every little nuance of sound within a large field of range. This type of mic's strength is it's sensitivity and beam of focus. It picks up what you aim it at in the distance REALLY well while not picking up the surrounding sounds outside the focal point.

Stick it right on a guitar speaker or instrument, cut the volume on the mixer and you have a REALLY pure, focused sound.

It was free and completely solved my miking problems when trying to record solos. With my mixer's EQ set neutral, I'm getting the same sound out of it that I'm putting into it when recording.

While I'm sure there are better mics, this mic was free with the MXL 4000 for a reason. The manufacturers and Musiciansfriend knew it's application potential. Everybody needs a professional vocal mic and instrument mic, they decided to ensure we get both when a 4000 was purchased.

Eventually I'll get an SM57 due to it's reputation, which is truly just a dynamic cardioid with a pencil mic fashioned capsule but the 603S is certainly more than satisfactory for the time being.

This mic came free with my MXL 4000 and now I know why.

This mic gives a good focused sound for shredding and neo metal solos similar to direct recordings through cabinet emulators only without all the transients and garbage direct boxes pick up in the signal integrity being so fixed-there's just no room to breath. I was trying to get a good sound for shredding and neo metal leads but using mics like the "legendary" SM58 was producing a very loose, bland sound no equalizer, compressor or maximizer in the world could remedy. Same problems with my full sized condensers. It had this low sonic quality due to a lack of focus. Sorry but I'm not trying to recapture the essence of hair metal. I want tight. Putting these mics closer gave that tight focused sound yet it was still very bland and dead sounding.

Gave this another shot and problem absolutely solved. I play with no delay, a hint of reverb and a moderate gain. Over the top arpeggios, pinch harmonics etc. and often with a completely midrange scooped tone-it's not an easy tone to work with for recording. The sound is tight and focused with this mic, transients are easily lost through mic placement and mixer settings. This is a must have for a modern metal sound starting from the days of Pantera, Megadeth and leading on up to the days of Meshuggah, Lamb of God etc. The other popular mics recommended are more for rock and classic metal.

If you value tone or audio quality in the least, do not use this microphone. It may appear to be an affordable alternative to similar mic's, but do not be fooled. It is terrible.

You would be MUCH better off to simply save your coffee money for a few more weeks and purchase something you will actually value and your ears will appreciate. Just say no.

I got a pair of these for micing acoustic guitar and other stringed instruments. These tinny puny sounding things make a 57 sound like God.