Audio-Technica AT4040 vs. Sterling ST77 vs. Blue Spark... FIGHT!

I am in need of a good but low-priced condensor mic primarily for male vocals. I need something that will give me a clear, warm response, something that I can use for a variety of music generes including pop, hip hop, R&B, ballads, etc. I have been using the Audio-Technica AT2020 but am in need for an upgrade. I trust my fellow Cakewalkers to give some good advice, so I look forward to any input!
 
Audio Technica AT4040 ($299)
To start things off, I am already leaning towards this mic. I have heard nothing but good things about this mic, and even read one person dare claim it sounds close to the U87. It’s a hundred bucks more than the other two, but from the research I’ve done, it’s worth it.
 
Sterling ST77 ($199)
The only reason I’m even considering this mic is because Guitar Center is selling it for $199 when it used to belike 500 or something. Apparently they are being discontinued. I’ve also heard good things about this mic, but I feel like a lot of people prefer the AT4040 over it still.
 
Blue Spark ($199)
This mic has the most reviews online compared to the other two, and it looks like a LOT of people like this mic. There are dozens of youtube videos about this mic, and there are almost none for the other two. I found several audio samples of this mic online, including this one where it is compared to Neumann U67. And honestly, the Spark sounds pretty good, especially for $199.
 
Please give me your input on your experience with these mics, and which one you recommend for my goals. Thanks so much in advance!

4040 hands down.

As always, opinions differ.

Since you seem to be a GC customer, see if you can't try out what you can at a store to form your own opinion.

@

Is Sterling even a reputable brand for microphones? Sweetwater doesn't even carry them.

And also, can you also give input as to why you think one mic is better than another? I really appreciate guys

Middleman

Also, depending on where you live, you should try to get to a Pro Audio store and listen to the mics and really not rely on internet opinion. When someone says this mic is better, including yours truly, you don't know the level of experience, talent or taste of that person. Let alone if they even like the same music your write or listen to. 
  

I agree that until you hear a mic for yourself, you will never know... and that I should not base my mic purchase solely on opinions of others. However, because of different circumstances, I may have to do just that.

None of the Guitar Centers or pro-audio stores in my city have the Sterling ST77 in stock, and probably never will since they are being discontinued (or so I've heard). So although I can audition the other 2 mics, I will never know if they are better or worse than the ST77. Plus, Guitar Center does not let you return mics at all because of health reasons. Once I purchase one, it's over... I cannot audition them at home, and return them if I don't like them.

I would still prefer to buy a mic at a store like Guitar Center rather than online because if it is defective, they will exchange it for an identical one. I would hate to go through the process of shipping the mic back to an online store, pay for shipping, wait for the new one to come back, etc.

So my point is, a lot of my mic decision will have to be based on opinions of others. And honestly, I trust the opinions of individuals like yourself who have lots of experience and actually know what to look for in a mic... I may even trust that more than myself. You bought mics 12 years ago, while 12 years ago, I was just a little kid. I'm not trying to call you old, but I'm saying it might be better for me to trust people like yourself until I gain my own experience in the subject

PS. I also heard that Sterling Audio is a Guitar Center exclusibe company... anyone know if that's true?

I bought a Sterling ST66 tube condenser mic at a Guitar Center (semi) locally about 3 or 4 years ago. So they at least used to carry Sterling mics. I use mine for vocals all the time and have to say I am quite impressed with it.

I was recently looking for a new mic, as well. Tried my friend's 4033, but wound up buying the ST77. I'm glad I did - I prefer it for my voice. Haven't tried it on anyone else yet. Very happy with the purchase, though.

Even though Musicians Friend and Guitar Center are under the same umbrella...they have different policies......buy from Musicians Friend (I believe you can return mikes to them).

I have an AT4050 and frankly I think it's a boring mike. I also bought 2 Octava MC012's years ago for dirt cheap.....the downside is that Guitar Center sold them with a Chinese power supply with a hum issue that could not be fixed.