Does the Miktek MK300 need phantom power?

Yes. It needs 48V phantom power from an audio interface or preamp, so it won't work plugged straight into a laptop.

What polar patterns does it offer?

Three: cardioid for most vocals, omnidirectional for room and ensemble capture, and figure-8 for two-sided or isolation work.

The microphone, a shock mount, a swivel mount and a vinyl pouch. No cable or power supply is included.

It handles up to 127 dB SPL, so it can take close-miked guitar cabs and loud vocals, though a dynamic mic is often the safer pick for drums.

You get two extra patterns and a shock mount in one mic, at the cost of a rear switch and a heavier body than simple cardioid-only models.

It helps. Large-diaphragm condensers are sensitive, and owners report picking up room reflections in untreated spaces.

At Sweetwater, for $199.00, 33% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.

9 stores we checked sell it, including Sweetwater, Miktek Shop, eBay, Front End Audio, SoundPure.com.

$199.00at SweetwaterChecked 15 h ago

33% under what the other stores charge

Compared across 9 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.