Sending a big shout out to Ryan Wiltermood who skillfully guided me to this mic and other quality products over the years. I've yet to put it through its paces on recording other than voice, but I can imagine it doing very well on cello, flutes and other melody instruments. The Earthworks brand has long been associated with the production of high-quality condenser microphones designed for use not only in the studio and on stage, but for measurement purposes, as well.

Being capable of reproducing sounds down to 20Hz and below, it demands some respect from singers, and although the grille incorporates pop protection, strong plosives still get through when used up close. The first of these was the SR40V, a back-electret stage vocal mic that was reviewed back in SOS December 2011. I would also say the OP should not be afraid of too much detail from this mic - it captures detail but doesn't emphasize it. It's startling in how close it gets to what I think is my real voice (just straight into the desk at a live gig or straight into my RME in my studio, with no EQ or effects).The pop screen extends down almost half of the microphone, which should also aid in keeping vocalists’ hands in the proper position. nothing wrong with using a decent condenser with otherwise modest gear btw - but yeah, even a single faulty cable can ruin a performance. Almost every time I've been in either situation there has been small-but-noticeable white noise coming directly out of the drivers no matter what the situation, even at reasonable gain levels. Well, the next day when using it at home, it worked fine for about 30 minutes before it suddenly got muffled sounding.

No issues with feedback, dials in easily (didn't even touch the gain), just send it phantom and you're good to go. It sounds very good and is very tonally balanced; it's honestly amazing for the money, but in almost every situation there is a better mic.

I used it mostly with their 1024 preamp, which I feel is still the greatest mic preamp on the market.

The SR314’s 145dB SPL handling and an extended 20Hz–30kHz frequency response further enhance the versatility of this incredible mic, making it as useful for high-fidelity capture of instruments as it is for vocals. It's quite tragic that we keep having these problems with them, unless we are doing something wrong or there could be a compatibility issue? Cons: Sensitive to plosives; heavy weight requires a sturdy stand; cardioid pattern may not be tight enough for some applications. It presents vocals with a natural, balanced response and maintains articulation without ever sounding strident. I have average sized hands and I find the body/handle of the mic somewhat uncomfortable - it's very wide for a handheld and there is no ridge or contour that keeps the hand from sliding up toward the grill.

I'd get it as a straight SM58 upgrade for people for whom feedback isn't a massive issue (loud singers, quiet bands, not playing tiny pubs). If your singer has good technique, popping won’t be an issue, but for some vocalists it could be a problem.