FWIW, I ran a FMR RNP for a while. It's VERY transparent. I was running it with Earthworks so it really wasn't the best combo. for most stuff (too bright), but for onstage bluegrass/folk, it was great. I always wanted to try it behind a more colored mic. but never got the chance before I sold it. I could never hear any noise in any of the tapes I made with it, but as always YMMV. Also, I forget his name, but FMR is really a one man (and wife) operation down in TX, and the customer service is fantastic!!