Instrument Microphone with Clip, Cardioid Condenser Professional Instrument Mic, XLR Gold-Plated Diaphragm Sound Head Microphone for Studio, Instrument, Interview, Radio Stations CM-63

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 with a broad rise of approx. 4 dB around 10 kHz, ensuring a completely natural, uncolored sound. The cardioid pattern and frequency response uniformity is very good, allowing these to work very well in an ORTF configuration. I have a $600 coincident dual-capsule condenser microphone, but I've found the CM-63 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!

Great drum overhead

For being an inexpensive mic, it sounds great. I've been using it for home music recording and everything sounds clean and clear. No distorting of the sound. I'm very happy with this.

Good quality. Nice sound picked up. Solidly built.

It's a good microphone for a low price. I recorded it at the same time while using a Neumann MCM 114 for acoustic guitar. The Neuman was a bit clearer but the Takstar surprisingly held its own. Not bad for a microphone that costs around $45 bucks compared to another that costs around $700 dollars. I highly recommend if you want to record good sounds and save some money.

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.

Fantastic mic. It works perfectly for recording.