Look towards offerings from such as the B.L.U.E. Cactus, Soundelux E47, U99, Brauner Valvet Voice, Microtech Gefell U92, UMT800 and Neumann M149 would all be candidates on my list.

Are there specific applications you need to address, such as female vox, etc? David

Excellent suggestions and great question. It's a toughie as I need to address multiple situations, as I am sure you are all aware, from female vocals to horn players. I have found, not-surprisingly, when I put a great player or vocalist, in a great room with a good mic, the results are usually great. I am looking for a second high-quality versitle work-horse, and unfortunately, I am thinking of getting a 'name' second mic so that certain clients might be more excited about using my room. As we all know, certain brands carry more cache in name, if not in sonic quality. I have not had the opportunity to try out the Soundeluxe mics, but they do look fantastic. All suggestions appreciated.

Myself,I would get a Soundelux U99 or perhaps the iFet.Both under yer $3K.And for the change left over, I would get an ADK TC for just another flavor dujour.While it is true that there is a certain cachet in badging on mikes,what really sells is the sound.

Originally posted by markk:
I run a studio and do a lot of different recordings from singers to voice overs to acoustic instruments. I run through a variety of nice mic pre's - Neve, API, Avalon, and am happy with my workhorse mics including the AKG TL-II. I need to purchase another mic and am looking for suggestions. Under $3,000.

Check out Lawson's new convertible system. Slightly over $3K, two capsules (47 and 251) and two bodies (tube and FET), yielding 4 flavors. I've used the Lawson MP47 in the past. Very, very nice. Here's the site:

http://www.lawsonmicrophones.com/
--
Stephen Boyke

I'll have to second Gaff's suggestion on the Neaumann M149. Lawsons are also high on my wish list.
Or you could go for the lesser "name" mics and get a much better variety for $3000. You could probably get 4 or 5 good mics depending on whether you buy new or used (Neumann TLM-103, Audio Technica AT4050, Audio Technica AT4060, Audio Technica AT4033, AKG Solid Tube, Shure KSM44, ect...)

Great advice from all. I do have a bunch of lesser cost mics and that's what is prompting this desire for a great workhorse. The Soundeluxe U99 looks like a great option. Any users out there? The Neumann 149 is also attractive.