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 are a superb value and will provide excellent results for both live performance and recording applications. The SR30 is the most accurate cardioid microphone on the market. With high frequency response to 30kHz it will capture incredible detail in music. It is the microphone of choice for a wide variety of musical instruments in remote and studio recording.