Cool thanks, Jim. I've replaced the tube over and over. If I'm causing the problem, I don't know how. Because it isn't really reliable, I mostly leave the Mic on the shelf.

When you first replace the tube, does that noise go away?
 

Yes and no. It doesn't seem related to the tube. Power supply? Some days it doesn't make any noise. I have sometimes thought it was preamp related. Maybe humidity? I just don't know. Maybe I'll try one more new tube. I think I've gone through four.

A really versatile mic is the Microtech Geffel M930.  Another LDC but in a small body that will fit inside your palm so it can be placed almost anywhere.  Very even and transparent. 
 
Another one I'm looking at is the new Warm Audio 87.  I should get one in next month and will let y'all know what I think.  If it is anywhere near as good as the Neumann, for $600 it should be a no-brainer.

I, too, am really eager to check out the Warm Audio WA87.

Looking into my first foray into more expensive mics and looking at the CAD E100S but compared to mics of similar cost it's way heavier.
E100S 610g
C214 280g
AT4033 380g
MK4 485g
KSM32 490g
 
My current mics (SM57/58) are 284/298g so the E100S is more than x2 heavier. I'm a little worried about mic boom droop or balance issues. Is this a problem for mics that heavy? Should I be concerned? I'm currently using stackable Ultimate stands with the round heavy lead bottoms. Any insight you're willing to share? Thx!
 

I don't have any round based stands.... been a long time, too.
   The stand will take the weight, it's the tipping over part, that is the rub. I suppose weights around the bottom might help, but I gave up and went to tripods with weights on them(had some quadpods too, but sold them). Now I have triangular heavily weighted stands; OnStage SMS7650's  
https://on-stage.com/products/view/12624/117506
.... and it's the quality of the mic clip/shock mount. You have to be able to tighten them and have them "stay put". Mic droop is annoying at the least and dangerous at the worst. My OnStage stereo mic bars suck at that and I will have to get K&M or something.
Michael
 

Penti,
The link doesn't with for me.

I have not yet regretted a Mic for weight.

That said I do need some new shock mounts.

Stands can usually be tightened to do the job. A sand bag for exceptional cases, but make sure it is in the car before you need it.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/StuBoomW
On Stage SMS7650
Stands and clips or shock mounts need to be tighten-able. If I mount 2 on the stereo bars they lean and I cannot seem to fix them in place. It is double the weight though.
Michael
 

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MC125
This bad boy will "carry the weight".
Its is Chinese, but the build quality seems very good, almost excellent!
$30 bucks more, and the base and boom counter weight are "heavy".
I've got a pretty weighty Bock e250 and "no issues", first time ever I'm completely confident its "safe".
And get some of these: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GFWMICQRTOP3
 
T