This is one of the best small diaphram condenser mics you can buy for the money. Very nice sound and very well built! I would prefer this mic over a SM81 and is a littler cheaper too!

The Audio Technica AT4041 is a small electret condenser, what is commonly called a "pencil condenser". I've used this mic in nearly every situation that I could throw at it. It will perform just as well live as it will in the studio.