Yes. They're fine. Not my first pair of M179 mics. Sold the M177 mics to my percussionist last night. He's happy---and he'll be happier when he uses them. If the M179 mics weren't such a bargain now, I would not have sold the M177 mics.
AndrewClaycomb: I have a buch of Naiants (not the X-M, though) and a couple of GXL3000 mics. Realistically, no complaints about them. IMHO, The M179 is quieter (i.e., less self-noise) and more versatile (that pattern dial), more neutral and detailed than the 3000. I thought it was a bargain at the $200 price.
I tried mine today for some vocals and WOW!, this is a great bargain!
Just noticed that MF put them back to $169 today. I will not get surprised if this go on a Stupid Deal tomorrow. If that's the case, I get another one.
Let me clarify that I'm talking about the M177 which is essentially the same thing as the M179, except the pattern selection.