Thanks Gaff,the interesting things is that they aren't that much more expensive than the c1000's which are pretty much despised by everyone.I think I'll try them out.
First I'd argue that a LD mic isn't always better for vocals. Second I'd suggest that you buy a book or vist a website that has detailed info and polar plots of various patterns so you understand the differences and the what the strength/weakness of each is. A lot of why a LD mic is used for recording is that it is usually a more expensive and sensitive mic. LD mics can also have more than one polar pattern choice (which is one reason why they are larger) and are capable of capturing not only the vocal but also more of the room it is recorded in. The AKG 535 excels at vocals for live/PA work because it is designed specificly for vocals by using a tight polar pattern to reduce picking up other sources, built in shock/handling, fairly high output level, bass rolloff switch, rugged housing. The fact that it works on other sources in live/PA or recording as well as voice is an unintended bonus.
i recorded a scratch track for a band using it as the only mic on time and got the best cymbals. like splashing water. it didn't suit me for studio vocals though because of the tight pattern. didn't pick up enough of the room and if the performer moved at all you lost the vocals. this is way i believe large diaphramgs are more generlly used in the studio. i could see it being good overhead, better than 1000's, and awesome on acoustic guitar. a pair of these, a large diaphragm, a kick drum mic and a handfull of sm57's would all a home studio'er would probably ever need.
