Earthworks cardioid microphones are unlike all the rest, as they have patented near-perfect cardioid patterns. The sound across the entire front hemisphere is remarkably uniform and is flatter at 90 degrees than most microphones are on-axis. This results in uncolored off-axis rejection for recording and greater gain before feedback for live sound. They effortlessly handle up to 145dB SPL while simultaneously revealing subtle details that other microphones mask. All SR models, like this SR25 small-diaphragm cardioid condenser instrument microphone, are a superb value and will provide excellent results for both live performance and recording applications. The SR25 was specifically designed for drums and is also ideal for a wide variety of other instruments. Its high frequency response goes to 25kHz.