The 914 has been requested as an instrument mic especially in orchestra settings where mics are not allowed to be attached to the instruments. Another popular request is it to compliment other mics in its series such as the 904 and 906 on drums. The 914 is a small diaphragm "pencil" condenser. It utilizes a cardioid pickup pattern for gain before feedback. For an SDC it can handle a great deal of SPL so being around a drum kit is no foreign territory for this little guy. The 914 has 2 on board switches for roll off and pad.