MXL 550-551 Microphone

I bought the 550 / 551 ensemble for use with (live) sound reinforcement - specifically for micing electric guitars. I had been using an SM57 previously and switched to the 550 and the difference between the two is night and day. The frequency response is excellent over the entire spectrum, gain before feedback is excellent and they really do the guitar amps justice in terms of bringing out the true tone of the guitars. The two guitarists are on IEM's and it made a vast improvement in tone and clarity for them. I use the 551's on everything from strings, woodwinds and overheads. They have a slightly different frequency response (opposed to the 550) but the difference is minimal with a little flatter response in the 80hz - 100hz range. Again, excellent off-axis rejection and great clarity.

I own two pairs of these and planning on buying more. MXL has made some high quality affordable large diaphragm condenser mics fo rseveral years and they just keep getting better at it. Having spent almost fifteen years touring with major label artists, I wouldn't hesitate to have these on the road.