This mic is probably the best live mic for the price out there. I have used it on live gigs for six months now the mic has just proved to be super solid and great sounding. It's more transparent than the standard SM-57/58 and just as solid build. It does not have a pop filter build-in which means you have to adapt a bit (the more expensive model does have pop filter) but the sound is more open than the competition which is great (and you can add a pop filter yourself if needed) The included mic holder has build in both smal and large threaded insert, I have never seen this before, it's just genius. The Oktava Mk-012 is already a legend, but Oktava obviously has even more to offer.