If I remember correctly, the 'USM-69i' is the one that has the pattern selectors for the capsules on the body of the mic, in which case you will not require an external box for the microphone. There is one that has the patterns switched 'externally', and one that switches patterns on the side of the body of the mic.

Both sound excellent!! Both require 48vdc phantom power, so if your console has this, you will not require an external power supply...if you don't have 48vdc phantom power available to you, then yes, you will require an outboard power supply.

I've had great experiences with this mic that range from vocals to ensemble work. There are some very interesting setups you can do on vocals with these mics. With only a small bit of effort, you can get nearly invisible compression while all but eliminating the dynamic range of the singer.

You figure out which of the two capsules sounds best on the singer when they're loud and which sounds best when they sing softly. Run 10db more gain on the mic amp for the 'singing soft capsule' and set up a compressor that will drop the 'singing soft' capsule 12-13 db when the singer sings loudly and the 'singing loud' capsule [with less mic pre gain] takes over. The transition should be seamless, and you'll find a wonderfully clear and emotional vocal, that requires few if any fader moves.

Best of luck, they're great mics.

I've got a SM-69 with the remote pattern box and I really like it. It's good on a lot of stuff and I've done some vocals with one capsule in omni and the other in cardiod and that's turned out pretty cool.

Hey bnewsommfic is it a tube SM69 you are talking about? I was offered one, wonder what would be a realworld price?

I'm sorry I ment SM-69 fet. I got mine for a little over two grand, and at the time the tube SM-69 was between 3750-5000 at a few places. I dunno, Fletcher would probably be more up on the price of that than I.