The AKG D4 is a freshly released instrument microphone that's designed to hold its own on stage. Don't be fooled by the tiny size; the D4 is a trooper. What's most exciting -- probably because of the sweet visuals -- is the new super rubber formulation in the D4's shock mount.

Its refusal to bounce is great for keeping things steady when this mic is clipped on a snare drum. It's terrible for racketball, though.