Alright here's the deal. As some of you know, i've recently bought an ISA 428. I've also upgraded the entire studio to mogami cables.( my wallet is hurting from the cables. ) Now i'm looking to buy a good vocal mic for Rap and also some R&B Vocals. I'm current;y using a RODE nt1000 for my main vocal mic.

Some of the ones on my list are the RODE K2 ($699),the Neumann TLM 103($999) the Soundeluxe U195 (about $1000) and a Brauner Phantom C ($1500).

I'm looking for a clean, upfront vocal sound. I have reservations about buying th RODE K2, because i'm not sure if it will be a signifigant stepup from my nt1000. I am finding that the RODE mics seem to be harsh on most of the voices i have recorded.

Is the TLM 103 a good sounding mic. I get so many mixed responses with that mic. The brauner is looking nice, but will it be overly bright?

Any help would be greatly appreciated, as i will be making a purchase in the coming week.

Thanks y'all.
-jon