Rode NT4 Professional Microphone

Pros: Revealing, mono-compatible sound; battery powered; multiple cables for maximum compatibility; decent storage case

Cons: Included cables are sort of short (build your own with the stock connectors!)

The Bottom Line: There are other self-powered stereo microphones out there but NT4 looked the best on paper. It's great in real-world use but limited by the fixed capsule position.

Review: I bought this microphone when I was still using a Sony MZR700 (portable MiniDisc recorder) as a field rig. This microphone really highlighted the shortcomings of that recorder's preamp. I've upgraded to a Marantz PMD660 with Oade Audio's "Songcatcher" ...