angling down the microphone from the performer's mouth.

I do that often, especially when I'm using Oktavas.
Either angled down or to one side...

The chain I've usually got goin' is Vipre - AD8000 - Protools.

Sometimes I insert an old DBX 160 (single channel) comp prior to the ADC, but not too often - I prefer to record the signal as direct as possible.

I'm gonna go with U87-->preamp dujour-->Alesis HD24. I monitor back through the Ghost and usually rely on the singer keeping a good level at the mic. I like to ride the fader after we have established how the song is being played out. This allows the singer to 'work' the mic and give me that goodoletimereligion feel.

For those stubborn artistes, the remote controlled shock collar is a blessing for the studio.

The preamp dujour can be several things depending upon who I can borrow from this week.....

If I had a ViPre, I would never unhook the Neumann from it....ever.

I have a particularly excellent sounding older U87 that recently spent a week in Klaus Heynes' lab getting polished and cleaned. So it really does sound good on anything its plugged into.

See I wish I could afford a U87, but alas I'm stuck with the 3035 until I get my tax returns:) then maybe I'll be going to something quite nicer, we'll see though.

I get killer vocals from the the following chain:
MXL 990 > Beh$#%ger tube amp > Alesis 3036 cranked all the way > SoundBlaster Audigy2.

Well just kidding, that vocal chain will literally kill you...or make you want to kill yourself.

My last setup went something like this:
AT4040 > Summit Audio 2B2-221 > ART VLA 3:1 (for just a bit of cohesion) > Fire Studio (bypassing buit-in pre's).

I always try to record vocals as clean as possible and any reverb/delay is added in the box. I hate to EQ alot in the box, so i try to get what i want by mic placement.

Trying to find a few combos that satisfy my ear while still keeping the budget in line I've had great luck with the following:

TLM103 thru an Avalon M5 pre (both solid state)
Cascade v55 stereo pair (tubes) thru Trident S20 dual pre (SS)
TLM103 and a ribbon (Fathead II or Royer 121) in combo thru M5

All going thru Lynx Aurora A/D D/A

Getting a better result on the Cascade Fathead ribbon for vocals than the Royer. Bigger sweet spot. Using a Large Diaphragm for articulation and a ribbon for warmth, the blend is great, big and open.

If I had them I'd probably opt for a vintage U87 and a Manley or Viper Pre but newer technology does offer lower SNR and the Neumann M149 is another great modern mic.

Rode K2>Sebatron vmp4000e and a glass of aussie shiraz to wash it down when I'm done.

G'day mates.

Phil