Like Butter
This snare is extremely responsive. It also cuts through the mix nicely. I tuned it to a medium tuning and it's as smooth as butter. Usually I change heads before I use a new snare. I didn't have to with this one. I recorded with it 2 days after I received it. It'll be getting a LOT of studio time. Don't be afraid of the smaller diameter. You won't even miss your 14" snare.