I've been using these for about a year until 2 weeks ago when the diaphragm on one of them started making crackling noises every time the tom was hit. I switched back to the PG56 as a temporary solution ans was astonished to find, the sounded better! The e604 is great because of its low profile design, but your toms just don't sound like toms anymore.

They let in a little too much noise, but other than that, they sound great! Good low end, and clear highs. Buy this mic.

I've used these along with Sennheiser MD421's for toms in recording and live applications. If you know what the MD421 is, you know it's probably "THE STANDARD" for tom micing. I have used SM57's, Beta 57's, high dollar EV's, as well as other mics for toms. There isn't much I would prefer to use on toms for any genre other than the MD421's..........except the Sennheiser E604's. I now use the MD421's for floor toms, or large toms, and the E604's for smaller toms. The sound quality is great! VERY similar to MD421's! I've done A/B comparisons many times, and the E604 has a very similar response, and sound quality to the MD421. The MD421 is better suited for a larger tom, but the E604 is very comparable in performance. I will go as far as saying, the E604's work just as well on smaller toms. They are extremely durable (these have been wacked with drum sticks literally hundreds of times with no problems) and have a build in clip that allows them to mount directly to the drum. If you've recorded drums, you know how much of a hassle it is finding good placement for all the mic stands used to mic a kit. These clips help to eliminate those issues.

Cheaper "budget" mics don't come close. If you care about sound quality, performance, and reliability, DO NOT overlook these tom mics.

Sennheiser's e-604 mic wins again!! Music is a natural, organic, and spontaneous gift to all. The Sennheiser's e-604 mic is the only drum mic that I trust to catch "first takes" either in the studio or on the stage. They "work!!" Drum sticks, free falls, and beverages of choice are ubiquitous in music - the e-604 repels the environment and delivers an unblemished track without fail. First takes are fleeting - what will you rely on?

I have been using them for 10 years, and i just replaced 3 of them because of alot of road work. I blew one up after this time. I have never had problems.I play in areas and small venues and they set up nice and quick. I just purchased 3 more, what a deal thanx muscian friends.