Beyerdynamic M 88 TG Dynamic Microphone

The Beyerdynamic M 88 TG is a unidirectional, hypercardioid dynamic microphone that has become a minor classic in its own right. Designed in the 1960's, the M 88 still looks, and performs, like a modern, state of the art instrument.
The mic is extremely simple in presentation and appearance, generally shipping in a small zippered pouch, with a basic plastic clip. A handsome fellow in muted black, the mic exudes quality for a basic dynamic. And the sound is quality as well, in many respects.
It is very "full bodied" for a dynamic, extending out to both ends of the spectrum. The M 88 sounds "bold" in the sense that it is not afraid to favor both the highs and the lows in a source, bringing those areas forward as a listener might do with a "smiley face" EQ on a home stereo. Why not, if it sounds good?
But the mic never loses its cool, or sounds out of its league. Tonally colored but in a deliberate, honest, and predictable way, the Beyer M 88 is one of the best dynamic microphones of all time. Usable on almost any source, and will flatter most. I use it on kik drum, upright bass, floor tom (awesome!), and as a go-to "all rounder" on stage.
(As a postscript, the M 88 was originally issued with a fine mesh, silver colored grille, which was somewhat prone to coming loose, so was replaced with the "TG", or Tour Group, version, with a bigger, black mesh grille. However, on one of its best uses, kik drum, the new big mesh grille allows too much air movement, and the diaphragm can be damaged, so a popscreen should be used. There is a re-issue of the fine-mesh silver grille models being released.)