The AKG 214 is my favorite low cost condenser these days.  A VO artist I work w/ bought one and has been sending me files.  A bit over 150 pounds, I would think ($300), but still it is one you won't shove into the back of the mic drawer when you have better ones.

You might find  a used one for that price.

@

A recording has to sound right into the audio/interface or computer usually first of all. Trying to fix it later, will usually not work. Sonar 7 with some of the FX effects I can use, listed (don't know if all are Cakewalk stuff) do not work in Windows 7, may work in XP, have not ran through them to mark it all down. Usually the Cakewalk FX stuff will work, like Reverb, and Echo, and perhaps EQ, but I use to use like Parametric EQ, and I think that does not work with Windows 7. That will be because X1 probably is newer, but a lite version does not include everything or can you record are faster speeds.

AT


The AKG 214 is my favorite low cost condenser these days.  A VO artist I work w/ bought one and has been sending me files.  A bit over 150 pounds, I would think ($300), but still it is one you won't shove into the back of the mic drawer when you have better ones.

You might find  a used one for that price.

@

I can see why it would be good for voiceover since it has both top end definition and "voice-of-god" bass. I sold mine though, since I found the smiley-curve freq response needing excessive EQ to fit in busy mixes. Sort of miss it, but IMO there are better allrounders in the price range!

the 214 sounded good on her singing, too.

@

Chris, have a look at Gauge Microphones. 

http://www.gauge-usa.com/..e_Microphones/Home.html

Great mics for a super price. I heard these mics back in 2009 in a side by side comparison with mics costing 10x as much. They held their own quite well. 

I think they are mail order only however... unless stores have started carrying them. that was one way they kept prices so low.... no middle man markup. 

Like Batsbrew, I also own a Shure SM58 and a Shure KSM44 (LDC).  There is really no comparison, the large diaphragm condenser is pretty much awesome on everything I have used it on.  Especially acoustic guitars and vocals. 
 
I also have a pair of SM81 mics that sound great when you stereo mic a guitar...but not the greatest for vocals.  I would say if you are looking for one mic to do it all, invest in a LDC mic.   

Chris921,
 
I had a similar problem.  I have an SM58 for live work and, although it performs okay for vocal recording, I would describe it as lacking in finesse in the studio.  However, it does for now until I get more experienced or need something of better quality.
 
The mic I was considering is the Rode NT1-A.  It is a good condenser mic and not too expensive. Amazon have a good deal at the moment of a NT1-A kit which includes shock mount & pop shield, XLR cable and dust  cover for £149.  Look here:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rode-NT1-A-Vocal-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B0002PSCQM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=107LZXZ64CCW3&coliid=IYTWBHPU4WXA7 

57 you'll be able to use it in the future

neuman tlm 103 or 102 if your on a tighter budget...

The AT-4040 is pretty awesome for a dry, but very articulate mic. However, if you can muster, I highly recommend the Avantone cv-12 mic. I stacked one of these right next to a vintage AKG c12, and I have to say, the Avantone held up quite well, regardless of the price. You'll be very happy with one.