Shure SM63L Omnidirectional Dynamic Microphone with Extended Handle (Champagne)

After much deliberation in which hand-held microphone to purchase, I eventually settled on the Shure SM63L. Intending to use the microphone in a crowded convention setting, the lack of initial reviews had me a little nervous. I'm happy to report that any doubt was unfounded. While it wasn't used in the very crowded show floor, it was used in slightly less crowded areas and preformed very well. As an Omni microphone, you were able to hear background noise, but the subject speaking was very distinct from other noise. In interviews, the microphone preformed well again, giving good audio when held between subjects. Some volume loss was experienced (and expected) if the microphone wasn't pointed at, or held evenly between subjects. Due to budget and time circumstances, I intended to use this microphone on an XLR splitter with another microphone which required phantom power. Unable to contact Shure before the event, I did not end up utilizing this setup, opting instead to use the mics separately. In speaking with a Shure representative after the event, they assured me this microphone would NOT be damaged by phantom power (Note: Confirm with Shure before attempting). I feel the microphone could use slightly better bass sensitivity, but if the trade-off was less handheld noise (to which this microphone seems very good at preventing) I'm willing to live with that. I'd very highly recommend this microphone for interview and reporting style work and even light/quick voice-over work. Looking forward to using this microphone more in the future.