Earthworks hypercardioid microphones are unlike all the rest, as they have patented near-perfect hypercardioid 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 are a superb value and will provide excellent results for both live performance and recording applications. The SR30/HC offers all of the same characteristics and performance as the SR30, with a superb hypercardioid pick-up pattern. This is the microphone of choice for applications requiring the very best in audio quality and a tighter pick-up pattern where more off-axis rejection is needed.