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.

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.

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...

So I bought the used KSM44 from ebay and it arrived last night.  first test run in a clean preamp went awesome!

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.

gswitz
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.

Man, I really thought about a ribbon for a while, but I don't really have a preamp specifically for a ribbon.  I have some which might work, but they don't have that few extra dB boost that ribbon pres tend to have.
 
That will likely be my next GASsy purchase!  or...well that and a preamp!  LOL

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.

I see you already made a purchase, but the SM27 has a lower noise floor than the KSM, otherwise, they are the same.

My goto vocal mic is an AT4033
 
Been using it for years with some great results.

Bristol_Jonesey
My goto vocal mic is an AT4033
 
Been using it for years with some great results.

I also have AT4033 (since 1999) and has served me very well.......then again, that's also the only mic I've had.