Because this mic boasts multuple patterns it is a versatile powerhouse of ambient recording options.
What I found was a brilliance of sound reflection, and an excellent transient response that is smooth throughout the whole range. It has a fairly detailed top end and warmth in the bass frequencies, but is rather neutral when I began comparing it with some other budget mics in my arsenal, so apparently this mic does not overtly "color" the sound of your signal. Impressive in this range.
I found this mic to be incredibly crisp and clean on acoustic stringed instruments such as guitar and mandolin, and retain an articulate bass response from an electric bass cab when paired with a dynamic mic off center by utilyzing the bass cut.
I found it to be more transparent and ultimately not as "warm" as my mxl v67, but it was more accurate by far. Again, this mic does not color the signal to a noticeable degree in my opinion.
This mic might not be my "go-to" for recording guitars, but it could certainly provide just the right frequncy response for tracking an accurate uncolored vocal, or piano. I would reccomend this to anyone who needs an affordable large diaphram condensor for live purposes, like a bluegrass band who needs a crisp figure-8 mic for jamming out.

So basically, don't let the 100 dollar price tag fool you, this mic is quite capable, accurate, and responsive while being incredibly versatile with its multi-pattern capability. This is a perfect choice for guys just starting out buying their first condensor, or for those who need quality go-to microphones and are on a budget.

- For how long have you been using it?
I had this for a year or two and sold it.
I had an SM58 too for a while, can't remember if it was after or before, though.

- What thing do you like most/least about it?
It looks & sounds better than an SM58, plus it has an on-off switch...plus it's not an SM58, and i don't like having the same stuff as other people, ha!

BUT one day i was doing the sound for a singer-pianist on a boat and when we swapped his SM58 for this, it was feedback heaven. So we quickly switched back to the 58.

- Did you try many other models before getting this one?
I own or (have) use(d): AKG C3000, XML 90, Rode NT3, M-Audio Sputnik, AKG D5, Shure SM58, Shure SM57, ATM33.

- What is your opinion about the value for the price?
The sound was fine for the price, but i didn't have good experience live (too much feedback...maybe i was doing something wrong, who knows...try it & see) and the sound was no good for studio work. In parallel i used a C3000 for that, so i wasn't going to find much satisfaction in this...

- Knowing what you know now, would you make the same choice?...
Well, i sold it...so, no.
Would i go for an SM58? Nope.
So what then? I bought an AKG D5 the other day. The feedback killer they call it...will try it out in a few days...we'll see.

- For how long have you been using it?
I've been lent two or three of these for several years.

- What thing do you like most/least about it?
I use this on acoustic guitar and cello.
This works WONDERS on strings! Stick 2 high up and you'll be amazed.

- Did you try many other models before getting this one?
I own or (have) use(d): AKG C3000, XML 90, Rode NT3, M-Audio Sputnik, AKG D5, Shure SM58, Shure SM57, Sennheiser BF812.

- What is your opinion about the value for the price?
I think this was around £100-150...and it was excellent value already. Find one second hand that has been treated right (no smoke) and you're laughing. You need a good room, though...

I bought this in 2000 or so and never once regretted it.
It's a transparent mic, flat across the whole range you can hear...20hz to 20.000hz.
It's very sensitive and detailed, sometimes can seem a bit harsh so if you have a warm preamp you might want to use it in conjunction with the C3000.

You can use this on acoustic instruments, it works just as well as with vocals. I've recorded a cello, violin, wooden ladder (yes, a wooden ladder!), toy keyboard, guitars, flute, clarinet, etc. It's good. On strings you might want to prefer an Audio-Technica ATM-33 though, that works wonders on violins & cello...but the C3000 is good for pretty much everything.
It's unforgiving and don't expect that flattering high-end from this mic, but if you're looking for a real good all-rounder and you have a sound-proofed room then this is definitely worth considering.

I use it for three year, when I havn't enough money, it returned services!!
Of course high-pitched are missing but you can use a multi-band compressor (or de-esser) to correct it...
This was my first microphone, for 100$ only its a very good choice! Now, I'm going to buy a Neumann U87 because I've got a good job but When I was a student, this product saved my life!

If you have access to more expensive mics then you probably won't like the 990. Its fairly bright, very "live" sounding, and the high end came become brittle and harsh. Its fairly unforgiving of room acoustics, high frequency reflection especially. The smaller diaphram makes it less forgiving of proximity; i.e. like you can't move around too much when singing or playing in instrument in front of it.

I did not care at all for how it sounded on my acoustic guitar. It was harsh when I wanted warm, bright when I wanted full, crisp when I wanted "round". I never bothered to sing into it. I have used it for mic'ing up an electric guitar amp fron a couple feet away, and it suited this well in my opinion. The guitar I tracked came out very "live" sounding, fairly bright with definition and attack. This mic might be nice to have around for a slightly more bright sound that you want to cut through a mix. Basically, I say you should have a quality LDC first but if you can buy 2 of these, fool around with them in stereo, if you hate 'em sell them to someone online or keep them for rare moments you want a different sound.

I've been using this microphone for about six months. Its got a very clear and full sound to me, although it does color it a bit. I went with the thinking that you really can't go wrong with a Shure, and I was not disappointed. The price is very reasonable for a great sounding condenser mic. The shock mount it comes with is a great feature as well, as it makes it extremely easy to place. I also have a MXL 990 and an Audio Technica and I would have to say that this is my favorite of the three even though it is the most expensive. While it doesn't have the craftsmanship or sound of a Neumann, it doesn't claim to and for the price you shouldn't expect it. To me it is worth the price to have a great sounding condenser built with the quality that I am assured of with Shure products. Overall, if I were to break mine I would certainly get a new one.

I've had this mic for about 3 years and the things I like most about it is the great clarity and the price. I've used a few other low end small diaphragm condensers and I would say I like this one the best because it has a great high end frequency response and sounds great on acoustic guitar and cymbals. For the price I couldn't find a better small diaphragm condenser mic and even though it doesn't sound as great as some higher end mics, its got the best price of all of them. I bought it in a pack with the MXL 990, and I like this mic much better than that one. I would have paid the same price I paid for both just for this one. Just because of how cheap it is I plan to keep my MXL 991 for a while even if I decide to upgrade later down the road.