Sony ECM-MS957 Stereo Microphone with Rotating Mid Capsule

Customer Rating:
Summary: TIPS AND OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
Comment: First of all, this is not just a vocal mic, granted it works excellent for vocals, but you can record anything with this. My new minidisc recorder (Sony MZ-RH10) works great with this mic, I also use the Bose Quiet Comfort 2 headphones that way outside interference doesn't affect recordings, plus, it's a great way to check how your recording sounds AS YOU RECORD.

I use the microphone to record vocal overdubs (rap artists) acoustic guitar, traffic, sirens, concerts, and nature sounds.
The included wind mic is great when you record a storm and it's windy because the wind goes away, or your hear just a low frequency rumble which is actually quite pleasing. Excellent at recording thunderstorms.

Always use the manual setting when using a microphone like this, people these days like using AUTOMATIC settings, but when you are in a room with 20 people drinking, and you only want to record the person with the guitar in front of you, this mic works great. If your maximum manual setting is 30, record with this on 12-16, that's it, trust me on this, it's that good.

Check out a picture I posted with my microphone and the Bose Quite Comfort 2 headphones. By the way, everyone tells me the same thing, "Where can I get a pair of those headphones?", trust me, they sell them online, just expect to pay $300. I have used them for a long time, and I can't go back to using regular headphones. Regardless of what reviews tell you, they are perfect headphones as long as you are not stupid and fall asleep with them on.

Get this mic now, and while you are waiting for it to come, get a AA Lithium battery, if a standard AA normally lasts 2000 hours, imagine what a Lithium will get.

Please use Ni-MH (Nickel Metal Hydride) Rechargables for all your portable recording equipment, and please make sure that it says MADE IN JAPAN on the back, this microphone is MADE IN JAPAN.

I seriously recommend this over the 907 model for many reasons, #1 being quality of recordings, #2 being the pop filter works on this one #3 is the battery life 2000 hours vs 200 hours on the 907.

That's about it, this is the only mic I will use until I can find a better one, right now, this beat out a $1000 Neumann microphone, how, I don't know, but this mic is perfect in every way.

Customer Rating:
Summary: SONY STEREO CONDENSER MIC ROCKS!
Comment: I have taken this mic from the tropics of Puerto Rico to the London Underground and it has worked superbly. Once I figured out the sensitivity adjustment, I got louder recording levels. Remember to set it to max if you are recording ambient sounds outdoors. Super sensitive mic. Remember to hold it still and don't let the cable rub against clothing. Also, watch your breathing. It all gets picked up! I was trying to record nature sounds and picked up the cars on the road and dogs barking 1/2 mile or more away. I like the capsule adjustment as I can record sounds above me without turning the mic. Doesn't need phantom power which is nice.

Customer Rating:
Summary: Excellent Mic for PodCasters
Comment: This is the best mic i have used for my Podcatsing Needs. I ma very happy with it and use it in conjunction with the IRiver FP 899.

These 2 make a great combination for my PodCasts (...)

Customer Rating:
Summary: A great mike, but hypersensitive
Comment: I bought this mike for use with my minidisc recorders, mainly to record choral concerts at church and in other places. It has a nice stereo directionality and separation choices, but I advise you to watch your record levels or mike sensitivity setting because the sound levels tended to overload on loud passages or with percussive music like piano when used with my recorder's default (high) mike sensitivity setting.
It's very solid and well made. I'd rather have a boxed carrying case instead of the soft pouch provided, but that's a quibble.