The ART C2 is one of the most versatile compact side-address wide diaphragm condenser microphones available. A cardioid polar pattern with two position pads and two position low frequency roll-off switches make it the ideal studio condenser microphone for solo vocal or instrument recordings where subtlety and clarity is paramount. In live sound and remote recording applications, the C2's cardioid pattern offers excellent feedback rejection and better isolation and will give you the best results on most vocal applications and a wide range of solo instruments including background brass and woodwinds, acoustic stringed instruments (violin, viola and cello), drums and percussion. It offers full frequency response at the front of the microphone with a very controlled and predictable proximity effect - the increased low frequency response when microphone is placed close to sound source. Vocalists can use the proximity effect to their advantage, adding fullness and more 'bottom end' to the voice. Experienced vocalists can easily incorporate it as part of their overall microphone technique. (Note: The cardioid symbol on the microphone housing denotes the 'live side', or front face of the microphone that in all cases should face the performer.) Controls on the microphone itself include a -6 & -12dB pad switch, allowing distortion-free reproduction of extremely loud at-source signals, and a two position -12dB/octave low frequency roll off at 100Hz & 200Hz that reduces unnecessary low end 'boominess' and low frequency interference. As a condenser microphone, the ART C2 requires phantom power to operate. The microphone's precision-tooled microphone body and dent resistant stainless-steel wire-mesh windscreen protects the internal electronics and microphone capsule ensuring unmatched long term reliability. The C2 comes equipped with an extremely secure custom shockmount. Aluminum carry case included.