I was absolutely blown away with the performance of the SPL Goldmike. I've been drooling over this Stereo Vitalizer for about 3 years. Events outside of my control have made me decide to make the Stereo Vitalizer purchase now. German engineering at it's best! This must have been very carefully thought through as it does close to exactly what is required to put the maximum clarity, spatial image intensity, tight punchy bass clarity, "Life" into the stereo mix. My intention is to use it primarily for live sound. In the studio (or on a digital master) you have as many hours, days, weeks, months, even years to mess around tweaking the sound until you are satisfied with the final result. What about LIVE? What if you want your band to sound somehow better than everyone else? The Stereo Vitalizer does this all in one go! If you are having difficulty setting this device up, then try setting EVERYTHING to the 12'o'clock" position, then calm down and try only adjusting one control at a time! - Simple, but it really does sound good with everything mid position! Try as many different styles and genres as possible. Switch the device in and out, while listening carefully. This really does make a drastic improvement! I now only occasionally adjust the bass sound for warmth or punch. The design engineers got this right first time!