Vocal Microphone advice

I realize that asking for microphone advice is even worse than asking for headphone purchase advice since 20 responses will likely yield 20 recommendations!
 
for MANY years my GOTO vocal mic has been a Shure KSM27, but it was stolen recently and actually they don't make them any more, the "new and improved" model is the SM27 and retails for ~$300.  Personally, I'm not convinced it's as good or better than the KSM27, but I'll take advice on that as well.  
 
I think I'd like to upgrade anyway but my max budget has to be $600 to $700. 
 
Primarily this will record my vocals which, if you have not heard my singing, I'm a baritone with a very strong set of lungs!  
 
However, as a "goto" vocal mic, I also record others including high soprano and low bass voices.  It might also need to record some acoustic guitar or mando, etc.  so I want a very versatile mic.
 
I've been looking at the AT-4047SV, Shure KSM32, AKG C314, and the Neuman TLM-102.
 
AT 4047SV is a transformer coupled dual diaphram mic modeled after the Nueman U47, one pattern, pad & roll off included
AKG C314 is a transformerLESS dual diaphram ELECTRET Condenser which is the little sister of the AKG 414, 4 different patterns for versatility, pad and roll off also included.
KSM32 is transformerless single SMALL diaphram (0.75") Electret Condenser which differs from the 27 and 44 - they are large diaphram 1" True Condenser - the 32 is described as "neutral" where 27 and 44 are "warm" - has pad and roll off - 1 pattern
TLM 102  well, first of all, it's a Nueman!  it's a small package designed specifically for vocals (it has a bump at 6k). Large single diaphram true condenser, only 1 pattern, no roll off, no pad 
 
they're all about the same street value (the KSM32 is actually a little cheaper than the others).  the Nueman does not come with a shock mount (some of the others do at that price) and the shock mount is $130!  so I'd either be without a shock mount or I'd have to up my budget.
 
so let's discuss these!  I might end up not spending this much money on a mic, but at this time I have the opportunity so I might.  thanks for your input!

i have several favorites, which i demo'd then bought:
 
ADK Hamburg
http://www.frontendaudio.com/ADK-Hamburg-Mk8-Microphone-p/9999-03142.htm
http://www.adkmic.com/adk-studio-hamburg-mk8/
 
i think this is the single biggest bang for the buck on the market.
 
i also use a AT4033
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AT4033CL?adpos=1t1&creative=114582609481&device=c&matchtype=b&network=g&gclid=CP2Gj4Kl5M0CFQEdaQodA0QGVA
http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/9da35d460627c96c/
 
an exceptionally good sounding mic, on almost everything i've ever recorded with it.
 
 
my main mic:
Shure KSM44 (i bought this used off of ebay for $500)
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/KSM44A?adpos=1t1&creative=114581169721&device=c&matchtype=b&network=g&gclid=CNTE9qKl5M0CFQIOaQodYJ4Dcg
 
550 at reverb:
https://reverb.com/item/1625663-shure-ksm44-silver-multi-pattern-condensor-microphone-w-ohsc/similar?gclid=CM2Yz6il5M0CFZSMaQodCjUDMA
 
it's my main mic for a reason.
 

I love the KSM-32, and I use it for vocals often. My other choices include a TLM-193, a Baby Bottle, and an AKG C414, any of which might be the right choice depending on the vocalist and the track.

I have tried the C-314 and the TLM 102, and I wasn't moved to get my credit card, but that  is one person's preferences, worth less than you paid for them<G>!

Two nights ago I had a session with a singer who has a "broadway" kind of voice. She is extremely well trained, and I could probably put anything up, but I went with a Royer R101, and it was gorgeous. Silky smooth, blew everything else away. The KSM-32 was probably my favorite of the others, but I really liked the results from the  Royer. I'll ask her if I can post an example.

Thanks everyone for the input!
 
I think I've decided for now to go with the KSM44 - not as versatile as the C314, but I know the mic (the 27 is same diaphram, etc).  
 
 

TheMaartian
Take a look at the CAD e100s mic ($399 at MF).
 


 
Great mic for the money.

Yes - I really, fully agree! Price was about $300 new when I looked around. This mic is ideal.

Adding to your clips, this one has a really nice song demo with it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fnq0JrOvfUo

JonD
If it's versatility you want (and who doesn't?) my vote is for the AKG C314.

And this is why it is so important to hear a microphone before you buy - and why it is such a crime that this is not as easy as it used to be!

I have an AKG C12A and a C414, the former has the brass capsule everyone loves, and the later has the brass capsule, but the nylon ring, which some folks don't like as much. The former uses a Nuvistor, the later is solid state. So really, two very different microphones! I love the C12A, and I very seldom find a good use for the C-414, and yet I'd bet you'll find C414s in more studios than probably any other microphone. I think  it sounds harsh, but that's my ears. That said, when it works it really is a very lovely microphone!
 

JonDThe lower end Shures are almost always a good buy, but tend to be narrow in focus (meaning not exactly versatile).

Perhaps it is semantics, I find the KSM-32 to be extremely versatile because it is so neutral. I can stick it in front or pretty much any singer or instrument and that's what I hear in playback. Sometimes that is not  the goal, but sometimes it is.
 

JonDNeumanns are overrated IMO.  I'd buy a Mojave or one of the other boutique brands before a Neumann.  I've never understood the love affair with the U87... Sounds like what a great mic should sound like - 50 years ago.

 
A pair of Mojave M-100s are next on my list, and someday when a project demands it, any one of their large capsule microphones would be a great addition to the cabinet as well. But I don't think they sound much like a Neumann, and I don't think Neumann is overrated anymore than  Schoeps or DPA or any other high end microphone. They all sound different, and if you are doing voice-over work you probably do need a U-87, especially if the talent or the client expects "that" sound.

One of the reasons I like my TLM-193 so much is that it sounds a little more natural, at least to my ears. I really can't imagine parting with it.

But all of that is my ears, and as I posted earlier, my new favorite vocal microphone is a Royer R-101. I can't wait to try it with other singers! Again, my ears.

TheMaartian
Take a look at the CAD e100s mic ($399 at MF).
 


 
Great mic for the money.

I did look at those and they look like great mics for the price!  I may have to try to find a way to get one of those, too!
 

JonD

Beagle
Thanks everyone for the input!
 
I think I've decided for now to go with the KSM44 - not as versatile as the C314, but I know the mic (the 27 is same diaphram, etc).  

Nice choice!  I had that in mind (the step up from the KSM32), but didn't mention it because it wasn't on your list.

Looking at the choices and the ones listed above as alternates, I decided I wanted that same sound that I was familiar with, which was the KSM27, so I decided to upgrade from that and go with the KSM44, however I bought a used one instead of the new KSM44A and I got a really good deal on it (about 1/2 price!).


Thanks again everyone.  some great info here for my next mic....GAS is hurting right now...have to go lay down...

If you don't have a ribbon Mic, try one and compare to your next favorite Mic. Wow so different! I'm not saying it is great for everything. I went for decades without trying one because they are fragile. If Marshall hadn't encouraged me to try one for recording loud guitars, I wouldn't own one now.

I use mine for vocals quite often and love it.

Neal Degrasse uses them on his tv show. They sound so different! Really cool.

My RME UCX and Audient ASP 880 both work with the ribbon fine.

Make sure phantom is off first, before plugging in and don't forget what channel it is plugged into. Phantom can mess up the Mic, I understand.

I haven't tried it with the RME quad Mic pre.