Audio-Technica AE 5100

Very underrated microphone

First some general info: The mic has a pad and a high-pass filter. Always nice to have. It's not the biggest pencil-style mic, so finding space for it in a cramped environment (like a drumset) is usually not a huge problem. It can also handle _a lot_ of spl. 158dB to be exact. So If you ever need to mic a jet engine, this will do the job!

It has a somewhat different sound compared to a lot of other pencil condensers. Where a lot of cheaper mics will have a pretty flat response up to a point and then an overhyped high-end response, these have a lot smoother high end and a somewhat tight mid-range feel. I'm not completely sure what it is exactly, because the included frequency chart shows nothing out of the ordinary, but they do have a sound of their own. Before eq and compression it already sounds very smooth and "processed".

It's a very good percussion mic. Easily my favourite snare mic so far! I also use them on grand pianos with excellent results. I have yet to try it on other acoustic instruments, but I have no reason to think it won't sound good.

Excellent sound and quality.