I'm a no brand man... I close my eye and listen. What ever sound good may enter my mic closet and what ever sounds good on the source will be used.
I also do that with my instruments, including drums (I have Zildjian and sabian cymbals)

KonH, post: 407457 wrote: Do people in the industry often switch brands? What are the top reasons that would make you switch to another brand?

(After all, we generally stick with what we like.. )

Pretty much any decent mic collection will have mics from a variety of manufacturers. I'll try different mics until I find the one best suited to the source in question. I don't think I've heard of anyone deliberately limiting themselves to one manufacturer unless they have some sort of endorsement deal or they're a home recordist who can only afford one mic.

Performers may change mics because they think one makes more of a fashion statement, or they found a company who wants to give them an endorsement deal.

Other than that, tradesmen find an assortment of tools they can rely on to get the job done, and use them until they hear something else they like. And then add another. (why switch when you can add, right?) That could be another brand, or just another model from the same manufacturer. All the major brands have mics the excel at one thing or another.

On the other hand, if you suddenly find yourself burdened down with a big fat wallet that's entirely too heavy - a guy might go up a tier budget-wise.

KonH, post: 407457 wrote: Do people in the industry often switch brands? What are the top reasons that would make you switch to another brand?

I switch brands all the time.

The top reasons are pretty simple; different room, different instrument, different player, different day, different desired outcome.

(After all, we generally stick with what we like.. )

I don't... I do my best to always use the proper tool for the job/task at hand.
(It tends to make life suk a lot less.)

I buy mics I like and love.
As long as they are good quality I am not stuck on a given brand.
Some mics fall into the just a good ideal to have them category and those come from a number of reputable companies.