I found the microphone's output level sufficient for most all uses (except for recording super-quiet Foley sound effects) without requiring an external booster amp. I used a professional Millennia Music & Media HV-37 transformerless mic pre-amp but any inexpensive USB interface will work great.

The PDX720 has two, three-position toggle switches located in a recessed cavity at the opposite end of the mic's all-metal (aluminum) body. There is a Presence boost of either off, 1.5dB or 3dB at about 5-kHz. There is also a low-cut filter with three choices of off, 120-Hz or 155-Hz. The Presence boost adds a little more "cut" to thick vocals.

I liked these switches both off for singing or talking about four inches from the end of the mic. But recording a booming bass drum required the 120-Hz low-cut filter position.

The Audix PX720 proved to be excellent for recording drums with its good directivity that tends to prevent loud hi-hats from being picked up when I had it aimed at a snare drum's top head for example. Its 50-Hz to 20-kHz frequency response and ability to take up to 135-dB SPL make it a natural for positioning close to loud drums. It has a warmer sound without excessive brightness. Thin, small sounding drums take on a thicker quality right away.

The PDX720 is designed, machined, assembled and tested by Audix in the U.S. It sells for $799 MSRP.

Audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition/