Rode NT-5

I've been recording demos and DIY albums for 10 years. I've used the Rode NT5's for live recordings of my band, as well as an acoustic solo album. For both applications I plugged the mics directly into a Marantz CDR300 CD burner. I listen to the recordings through mid-range Audio Technica headphones, and mix through a high-end stereo system.

These are matched condensor mics. In a live applications I've used different placements to varying effects. Sometimes they've sounded decent, and sometimes they've sounded amazing, so the difference was probably due to my placement.
Where these mics really shined was on an acoustic album I did where I played live with one mic on the guitar and one mic on my voice. Despite these mics not being made for vocals, I got a big beautiful sound on both the guitar and the vocals. I experimented with different placements, and they all sounded good. These mics are very versitile and clean. The reviews say that there's a slight roll-off on the highs, but I found them to be plenty sparkly, and the overall sound to be well rounded. I think these are good, jack-of-all trade mics. I recommend these mics highly for anyone who needs a cheap pair of matched condensors for multiple applications.