Yes it is. It was my vocal mic for many years, back in the day. I only got rid of it for the dumbest reason imaginable: I didn't like its looks. I went to sleek-looking AKGs for the next 20 years. Today, I don't give a flying fleck about appearance. Nowadays I slobber into a good ol' SM58.

bitflipper
 Nowadays I slobber into a good ol' SM58.

Pop filter. There, I said it.

I love my AEA R84.
 
Not sure I'm worthy of a 44.
 

I found a AKG C414 XLS for $715 (Amazon) and ordered it.
 
I did offer a fairly local vendor of mics the opportunity match, but they said no.
 
I always struggle with that.

gswitz
I found a AKG C414 XLS for $715 (Amazon) and ordered it.
 
I did offer a fairly local vendor of mics the opportunity match, but they said no.
 
I always struggle with that.

I paid $700 for mine over 25 years ago. Still going strong.

I actully had 2 for about 5 years but I ultimately sold one for about $500 IIRC.

It's a struggle having to pick just one mic to get. I am reminding myself this is my next mic, not my last mic.

bapu

gswitz
I found a AKG C414 XLS for $715 (Amazon) and ordered it.
 
I did offer a fairly local vendor of mics the opportunity match, but they said no.
 
I always struggle with that.

I paid $700 for mine over 25 years ago. Still going strong.

lucky you. mine has given me more troubles than any other mic. been back in the shop for repair twice already.

@Rob
What went wrong with it?
How was it repaired?
You say 'already'. How long have you owned it?
Did the repairs cost you? Was support helpful?

I always am thinking about the gaps in my "locker" and what needs to be filled.  It usually comes down to what will benefit any upcoming jobs vs what I am willing to spend.  I own all condensers which include several high end small diaphragm mics of various patterns models and a couple nice large diaphragm mics which I find less useful in my type of recording. I have a couple dynamics which I never bother to use except for live sound reinforcement.  My next purchase would have to be a couple ribbon mics since they are as useful as condensers, have great off axis rejection if needed, and usually sound wonderful on just about anything.  I was looking at a couple AEA N8's since they have a similar sound to the R88 which is great for ensemble miking, they are durable for location recording, and they are active, which means I'll have less worries about amplifying them.  
 
That is just me.  I would just suggest you figure out what you immediately need.  If you don't need anything immediately, don't buy anything, save up, and get something better when you do need it.  
 
I agree a good LDC is a must for any studio use.  KSM44, C414, Neumann TLM107 are all wonderful mics at any price and are still budget friendly.