My favorite versatile mic would be the Shure SM7b. I've used it on vox, guitar cabs, kick, and snare. Every source that I've used it on it sounded great.

If you're doing drums and/or bass amps, you might consider adding one of the following large-diaphragm DYNAMICS to your arsenal:
Sennheiser MD421
Heil PR-40
Beyer M99
E-V RE-20

Which ones you will have access to will depend upon your location on the globe. This will also determine the pricing. The Sennheiser and Beyer are probably a better deal in Europe, the E-V and the Heil a better deal in the US.
I would also suggest that you upgrade the small diaphragm condensers that you have (AKG C1000 ) to a Shure SM-81. These are a great mic for acoustic stringed instruments, and will double-duty as OH's on a kit, and even some vocal uses, too.

Hey Hally,
I have a pair or earthworks QTC50's, I am really liking those for almost everything. For vocals they can be a bit too accurate, for some singers ;->

I also have an u87ai, I like that on vocals, electric gtr, its pretty decent on most things, it has a very mellow flavor.

I also have 2 Apex 460's which I did a few mods to. They are great on acoustic GTR's, some vocals that need a bit more third order harmonics.

I also use a rode NT2. I like it on drums, the odd GTR and some singers.

I have a pair of C3000's that I modified. They are a wonderful all around mic. I use them on vocals, gtrs, drums pretty much everything. Mine have a bit more air then the stock models.

Other than that I use my C1000's a bit for percussion that doesn't require much low end.

I have the few other mics like the SM57 that get used everywhere, and the AT ATM25 which is good for low frequency stuff.

Thats most of the bread and butter mics I have.

If I was you I would look into the earthworks line.
Anyway I hope this helps.

Thanks for the replies guys, moonbaby I have been looking @ the Heil and it suits my budget, however as an alternative to the C1000's I am considering the Audio Technica AT4041SP. Frontend Audio are doing a pair for $499.00. Have u used these mics and what was your experience with them.
Link555, thanks for the info, Unfortunately the U87 and earthworks are beyond my budget presently but someday in the near future, just need to sell some copies of this record. Its funny though, I have used the u87 on many occasions on my voice and yes its a beautiful mic but for some reason the C414 does something I love more. I like the price of the apex and if its as good as u say for that money i'd pick up 2 of them. What modifications did u do to them if u don't mind me asking. Lastely are u referring to the AT ATM250DE or the AT ATM250, either way great price again.
I am buying a 2nd C414 and I'll keep u posted on my other buys.
Warm regards hally

Hally:
I have a couple of AT4041's, too! I like them , they are much smoother on the top end than, say, the Rode NT's. I bought both of mine used, but if you can buy a pair for $500 NEW, I'd say go for it. Their sound is very close to the SM81. I've used mine for percussion/OH, strings, anything that the SM81 can do (except vocals, which I've used the 81 for at times).
A good pair of SDC's can really come in handy, especially if the room is less than ideal.

The Shure SM81 has always been popular for recording acoustic guitars. A little pricey as you will need two at $350 each. I have some AKG Perception small diaphragm condenser mics that I am happy with. A lot of people also seem to like the Rode NT5 mics.

But my favorite mic is a Shure KSM44 large diaphragm condenser mics. There has been a lot of analysis done between it and the Nuemann U87 with very comparable results. Now if money was no object I would have to go with the U87, but for only $800 it is amazing.

actually its a ATM25, it may be out of production now. It was a kick drum app mic I think, but it does more than that.

As for the apex 460's. I changed:
-The grill-removed excess mess
-The capsule- Peluso CEK-12
-The tranformer- cinemag CM-2480
-Various ceramic caps- I put in poly caps instead.

Its not to hard to do, but does cost a bit. But the sound is greatly improved.

Someday I want a C414 as well which model do you like the best?

Thanks again, where did u get the Shure KSM44 for $800, never used one but sounds interesting.

Audio Technica have released the ATM250DE Cardioid Dynamic Dual-Element Instrument Microphone, The hypercardioid dynamic element focuses tightly on the aggressive attack of the beater, while the condenser captures the round tonalities of the shell, the latter is an advertising speal but two mics in one casing in perfect phase by AT for €239.39 sounds like a winner to me.
I bought the AKG C 414 LTD 60 Years Edition about six months ago. I have recorded everything with it, most interestingly an instrument here in ireland called the bodhrán (skinned drum) difficult drum to record accuratley, i put the c414 on the open side of the drum picking up the full body of its tone and Rode NTG-2 on the otherside of the skin picking up the beater. Bit of post eqing and it sounded wonderful, most of the sound was from the c414. I have used other models of the 414 but i can't honestly say i can really tell the difference between any of them.

Lots of food for thought...
regards

The Blue Bluebird and M-Audio Sputnik have worked well for me on vox and acoustic guitar.

If I were you I'd expand toward the Neumann KM series, most people havent given the 184 many thumbs up but nevertheless its great to have either KM84's, 54's, 56's, 88's etc..in your mic locker.

hally wrote: Hi,
I am about to expand my microphone collection and I would love to know what other people are using in their studios for specific instruments, voices, etc. I am about to start recording on my next record and i will be mostly recording acoustic guitars, violins, cello, purcussion instruments, vocal, piano. I will also need to consider mics for recording drums I would appreciate any suggestions for a fairly decent collection of drum mics.

Currently I own the following and I use a combination these mics in all my recordings.

AKG C414 limited edition x 1
AKG C1000 x 2
Sure SM57 & 58, 2 of each
Rode NTG-2 x 2
Joemeek JM37-DP x 2
Joemeek JM27 x 2

I love the C414 for a wide range of stuff but especially my voice and any of the other mics I have I wouldn't miss them if they were robbed in the morning. So, suggestions for a selection of versitile mics and i am on a budget of about €1500 - €2000 ARE ALL WELCOME

Warm regards
hally

My go to has been the the Pearlman Mic. And the service is great.

Doug

I'm going to sound like a big spender...but I just bought a pair of the Sennheiser MKH 8040s and an AEA R88 to start the new season out with. I'll get to use them both next weekend - excited...!

Cucco wrote: I'm going to sound like a big spender...but I just bought a pair of the Sennheiser MKH 8040s and an AEA R88 to start the new season out with. I'll get to use them both next weekend - excited...!

Slut!

I had a major dilemma in choosing between the R84 and the R88... I picked the R84 because I do more rock oriented stuff than classical... LOVE it though.

hally, I'd also suggest looking at Peluso's. So far, I'm floored at the quality.

If you ever get hooked on a good ribbon... oh man.... There goes your wallet.

Davedog wrote: [quote=Cucco]I'm going to sound like a big spender...but I just bought a pair of the Sennheiser MKH 8040s and an AEA R88 to start the new season out with. I'll get to use them both next weekend - excited...!

Slut!

Guilty as charged.

Wait until next weekend - I have 2 concerts to record - the first one (all chamber music) will be adorned by a pair of Schoeps CMC6 MK4, Senn MKH8040, AEAR88 all on one stand in front of the ensemble (thankfully, they're a very tolerant group...)

Just for sh*ts and giggles, I should put the Mojaves up too...
I always like having more microphones than musicians!!

Just for staying on topic's sake -
Sshack mentioned the Bluebird - I stand by this mic as a mic that everyone should have in their locker. It's a great mic with a wonderful top end sparkle. For $299, you should be pimp slapped if you don't have 1 or 2.

Also, for people looking for that "cheap" ribbon tone and vibe - the $600 Beyer M160 is a classic that shouldn't be overlooked. (Don't succomb to temptations and use it as a tom mic. It can't handle the levels. It does work great on guitar cabs, vocals, room mic for drums, acoustic guitar, overheads, hi-hats, woodwinds/brass/strings, hand percussion, etc.

Cheers-
J.