First of all, the xlr output signal is WAY too hot and noisy. Tried the following settings : channel gain (on the art promix) 9 o clock (think of the knob corresponding to the hour indicator in a common clock). Mic input gain on my amp at about 8:30 = feedback! PLUS noise to an unacceptable level. The unit is 100% unfunctional without a pad on the output. I tried it with one (-30 db) and it's quite ok, and most of the noise disappears. Still not quite impressed with the sound. One star on the sound is for use without pad. With a pad i would grade it three stars.
Second, the chassis is solid but doesn't feel as sturdy as other units - many from ART company itself! - in this price range.... Concerning the battery compartment i would grade it -5 stars if i were given the choice! Cheap and clumsy, with a piece of carton instead of an aluminum leaf, suits perfectly the "chinese junk" stereotype....
No, i wouldn't recommend this to a friend. I returned it back instead!