[Hard Case] I was reluctant to fork over this much money for a dynamic mic. But I had heard some great things about the KSM8, so I took a chance. I am extremely happy with that decision. Amazing, full sounding mic with a very even and pleasant tone. Plus really good feedback rejection. (i'm not working with blasting monitors as a work in the jazz world, but at the levels I'm performing at, the feedback rejection is superb.) I use it mostly with my wife who has a fairly soft soprano voice and the overall sound is flat and even thoughout the frequency range (though clear and open) with no emphasis or tones that stick out. It's kind of difficult to describe my first impression except to say that it's beefy without being muddy, and still sounding open at the top. It sounds much better than the more expensive Neumann KMS 105 she was using with much better off axis rejection. Best, most even dynamic mic I've ever used.

[0.565 lb] Using on tour on my lead vocalist. Her keyboard vocal mic is a standard 58 so I'm able to compare the two directly night to night. Every time she walks over to the keyboard mic I cringe a little bit. KSM's lack of a presence peak hits the PA very nicely. Overall smooth response, consistent with distance and off axis as well. Surprising Electro Voice didn't try this in a handheld sooner...

[KSM8 Microphone] Excellent Microphone.

[0.565 lb] I feel confident putting my KSM 313 in this case in a larger bag with other equipment. It's lightweight and protects the mic well.

[KSM8 Microphone] I know this is made for the Lectrosonic products but it really comes in handy for keeping all of your other production accessories organized.

[0.565 lb] I've been singing for 17 years and this microphone is hands down the best one of all Shure microphones, in my opinion. :)

[Hard Case] Very natural sounding and easy (and pricey!) to use vocal microphone. All the stuff about huge sweet spot, controlled proximity effect, and natural midrange is true. OTOH, if you're looking for the 8kHz zing, it's missing in action.

[Zipper] I love this mic. Sounds really excellent in a mix, and whatever bleed from the band actually sounds good and adds something positive - like another nice room mic. Takes EQ very well. I would say it does the things a 58 does for live vocals while sounding like a supercharged SM7. It's pricey, but I'd buy again.

[Handle] Great to fit into my Pelican 1650 with TrekPak Dividers! Just wish the divider inside the bag was maybe a little more sturdy. Tends to flop down a lot.