For Gear Heads:

The Sennheiser E 604 frequency response and cardioid pick-up pattern are optimized for drum sets and other percussion instrument miking, while also producing exceptional results on all forms of brass and woodwind. An integral stand mount screws directly onto mic stands and included clip attaches mic to rim of drum. Very high sound pressure level handling, in excess of 160 dB, is combined with a balanced, clear, low distortion signal similar to a high-end studio condenser microphone. Lightweight voice coil provides extended high frequency and rapid transient response. A tough reinforced glass fiber body takes the knocks and shocks and suppresses impact noise.

• Rugged reinforced glass-fibre body

• Low sensitivity to impact and handling noise

• Very high sound pressure handling capability

• Low distortion microphone

• Hum compensating coil

• Easy to position due to compact design

• Integral stand mount

Layman's Terms:

The Sennheiser E 604 is ideal for miking live sound drums (especially toms and percussion).  It's compact body and mounting clip makes using this mic on drums a breeze.  Pretty much anything you have that is percussive these mics will do great on.  I love these mics for live and live studio recording.  But the E 604 is not a one trick pony...they work wonderful on brass instruments as well.