I've used this mic extensively in a local studio. I have used it for acoustic guitars, room mics, as drum overheads and with a number of other acoustic instruments. Its got a clear sound and I love that it is fixed in the XY pattern - this saves set up time if I am looking to capture something with an XY stereo pair. I haven't used any other stereo microphones like this one, but for the price, it seems to be the best in its range. It really sparkles on the top end and the price, like most Rode mics, is pretty reasonable. I have had a bit of trouble with keeping it healthy, as it has been broken a few times. I believe this has more to do with the cable it comes with though. I also wish the mic cable that comes for it was bit longer, overall I have been very happy with the sound quality and features that the Rode NT4 offers.

These mics are great as a stereo pair. While these aren't the Neumann KM184s, these little things are still great for drum overheads and acoustic instruments when you want that certain high end twang. I also have a pair of AKG C1000s and in my opinion these are a better bang for your buck. If I'm not mistaken, these have gone up a bit in price since I purchased them, which tells me that they are becoming more and more popular for a set of stereo small-diaphragm mics in project studios that maybe wouldn't be able to afford the Neumann KM184s. Compared to the KM184s, the price is outstanding and is a great bang for your buck. I believe I will hold on to these until I can afford a pair of KM184s.

I've had the Rode NT1-A for about 3 and a half years now and it has always been good for me. It's got great sound quality and has great range - it really picks up everything in the room, which can work to your advantage if you use it the right way. I have tried a few other condenser microphones in its price range (Audio Technica, Shure) and I really preferred the Rode. The clarity is really outstanding. For the price, I don't think you can get a better microphone than this one. Even though I have a few higher end microphones, I continue to use this one when I need a few large-diaphragm mics at once (worked great on a trumpet in a horn section). I would definitely recommend this microphone to anyone looking for a single great microphone on the cheap side or anyone looking just to expand their microphone collection.