Compact and affordable, the AKG C1000 S is a great multi-application small-diaphragm condenser mic. Designed to be the ultimate in economical versatility, the C1000 S can switch polar patterns from cardioid to hypercardioid, has both bass-cut and -10dB pad options, features three distinct frequency settings for clarity and presence, and can actually run on two AA batteries if phantom power is unavailable.