The legendary guitar briquet

• all-time favorite mic for recording guitar amps and other loud signals
• tolerates very high SPL due to its large diaphragm
• cardioid pattern; great feedback protection
• nice proximity effect, with which the bass content can be controlled very well by changing the distance to the signal source 
• smooth, detailed sound
• was replaced by the cheaper to produce models E609 (first version) and E906, which however have not achieved the cult status of the classic
• the item for hire is the last version MD409 U3 (XLR)
• manufacturing period: MD409N: 1967–1977 (OEM version Echolette ES14 was introduced a few years earlier), MD409U3: 1985-1994

Favourite applications: provides great results in front of guitar amps. Also excellent suitable for toms, percussion (conga/bongo) and brass