Like other condenser mics, they do need a reliable source of phantom power, but can be run on the batteries alone when they are fully charged. The mic uses a unique design with two 9v lithium batteries inside to help with powering them. The top end is smooth and a little bit rolled off, which is nice for digital recording. These mics are quiet, with amazing low end, supposedly flat down to 20hz. The CAD e100 was made in the USA, released in the mid-1990s and is no longer available since the introduction of the e100s. The advantage however is that this mic can be used with no phantom power source by running solely on the internal battery. Also if you only use it occasionally, it's best to take it out every once in a while and plug the mic into phantom power to charge the battery. So you need to remember to turn this mic on and off with the front panel switch so the battery doesn't drain down. The only tricky thing about this mic is that it uses an internal NiCad battery to give the mic's electronics additional power durin g peak transients. It has worked well for off stage vocals/singing, bass guitar, upright bass, and kick drum. I've been very happy with my use of the E100 so far. response while not becoming too brittle, like most large diaphragm mics. It has very good off axis rejection, while still being fairly smooth as the sound source moves off axis. The E100 will serve as a good all around large diaphragm condensor mic for studio and stage. CAD has a good, well earned reputation for making affordable mics that sound as good as mics costing exponentially more. The E100 has been around for quite a few years now. A good workhourse for studios and live sound