Easy to use but slightly limited by fixed capsule positions.

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" modification, which upgrades the signal path from the microphone (and line) inputs up to the D/A converter. Paired with the NT4, the 660 has produced some of the clearest 16 bit stereo recordings I've ever heard. Really. It's an awesome machine. But this review is about the microphone.

The NT4 comes with both 3-pin XLR and 1/8" phone plug output cables so, when I chose to upgrade my recorder to one with "real" inputs, I could keep the microphone. I've used it as a room mic (or drum overhead) in the studio. I've even used it to record choral vocals in stereo. No matter what I've put in front of it, this microphone has given excellent results.

It was purchased as part of my field kit so the fact that it's powered by a 9-volt battery is perfect for conserving battery power in the recording device. The microphone really opens up when you feed it 48 VDC, though, so it's better to carry an extra battery for the recording device (or phantom power supply) and forget about running on the 9-volt. Feed the NT4 good phantom power and prepare to be amazed.

The NT5 cardioid capsules used in the NT4 are the best sounding general-purpose capsules I've used so far. I primarily record live amplified music events. The recordings I've made actually sound better (to my ears) than being there. There's less room noise in the recording (because of the cardioid pattern). I've been consistently impressed by the sounds that come out of this microphone.

Fit and finish is nearly flawless. It's an odd-looking microphone but it definitely does what it's supposed to. Using it in high wind requires an additional windscreen (such as RODE's "dead kitten"). I made my own out of faux fur and 1/2" upholstery foam (it slips on over the stock RODE foam windscreen). A shockmount (such as RODE's SM4) is highly recommended in any environment because the NT4 is very sensitive to handling noise and "stand bumps" without that protection. Again; I Dremel-ed my own from PVC pipe, rubber O-rings, and a cheap mike clip that I had laying around.

I wouldn't pay the list price for it but it's well worth half that and you can find it for less. It's a nice entry level "pro" microphone for field recordings in stereo.