BP4025 : Highly recommended stereo microphone

To start, I'm not a professional, audio engineer or anything like that. But, I own a range of equipment from very cheap to reasonably expensive and so my comments are mostly relative

Firstly a few comparisons to the Rode NT4 which I bought used a few years ago. The BP-4025 is quite heavy but lighter than the Rode, narrower in diameter and shorter. It is is a little more top-heavy as the stem of the mic is narrow, most of the weight is in the head, this is not a problem, just an observation.

In terms of build quality, it feels great, very reassuring, when I pay this much for audio equipment I want to feel fairly sure that the item will not fall apart after a few years.

It comes with a mic stand adapter, 5 pin to twin 3 pin xlr lead and a basic foam wind cover. In use it needs more, I am planning to buy the appropriate Rycote BBG cover (I think 21mm) and will use it with the windjammer. I think it will probably just fit in my Rode Blimp II but I haven't tried it.

In terms of field use, the audio quality is superb, comparing it to my Sony PCM D100 and the Rode NT4 I think it just has the edge in terms of detail and has lower self noise.

It's quite sensitive to handling noise so I'll be using it in a grip or stand.

I do mostly field recordings or urban or mixed environments, occasionally nature sounds and I see myself using it more where there are fewer people. I find in the city and urban areas that a pair of binaural mics or the Sony handheld (with grip/shockmount) are more discreet.

Overall it's a superb mic. One of the things I like is that because of the design it will fit in a regular,cheaper blimp, unlike the rode which is has a much fatter diameter. The Rode is also a really good mic, but this one for me will be easier to use.