i've been kicking around upgrading my vocal mic, I've been using a cheapo MCA SP-1 for a few years ( the $40 mic ) and I have the desire to move on to something else. I've been reading mic reviews for a few days now and just when I think I'm locking on to a choice I get second thoughts from the up and down opinions posted on this site and others. I think I narrowed it down to the Audio-Technica 4040, the sE electronics sE2200 or the Blue Bluebird. Very confusing stuff.

I bought an AKG C-214. It's great for lots of stuff, including vocals. It is essentially 1/2 of a C-414. I also picked up an EV 320E dynamic mic. It's good for vocals and kick.

Shure SM7B

I upgraded from the Shure SM-58 I have had for years as a stage mic to a condenser. With the budget I had, I opted to get the Rode NT-2A condenser mic.
 
Since I have limited funds for my studio gear "habit" I have to use this one mic for literally everything.   I use it on acoustic guitar, mandolin, both male and female vocals, and even on my guitar amp.   Personally, I think it does a fine job on all of it. Sure it might be missing some subtle flavors of some of those things but to my ear... it works fine.
 
You should be able to grab a really nice all around mic in the $400 price range. I know, I did. 
 
Also, be sure to get a pop filter with the mic.

Thanks everyone, yeah, I just thought I'd put it out there for some input in the decision making, I know there are tons of threads on this topic. :)

Also, I dont have an outboard mic preamp. Running the VS-700R for an interface. I read somewhere that the SM7b prefers a preamp to boost the gain.
 

ADK Hamburg Mk8 Condenser Microphone
 

 
http://www.frontendaudio.com/ADK-Hamburg-Mk8-Microphone-p/9999-03142.htm?gclid=CMGAwbzRi8ECFTOZMgodn0gA6Q&click=18920
 
$349.00
 
 
 

The sm7b is a dynamic mike and does take a lot of gain for quiet sources.  The Roland preamps should be fine for most uses - the sm7b is used by radio announcers, on drums and bass, those kind of things.  If you have a wispy-voiced vocalist look elsewhere.  Otherwise it is a great value at that price range.
 
One place I'd suggest is look at http://oktavamod.com/  Joly started out modifying Oktava mics (you could pick them up cheap 10 years ago - I have 3 and the 319 he modded sounds as good as most FETs).  He's branched out and puts his own capsules into standard Chinese bodies and many people are as pleased with those as I am with my mod.  The "Hulk" is right at your price limit.  He voices all his mikes to be mid forward, sorta like a U87, which might not be the best mike on everything, but doesn't sound wrong on anything.  It should be more... flexible .... than the shure.
 
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Are you going to use it for live performances?

How about one of these?
 

 
http://www.beesneezmicrop...rdioid-microphone.html