thats a huge price range if i were you i'd look in the 400 to 700 range and eliminate most below that, although studio projects mics are good. I have a blue baby bottle that I like a lot on female vocals but not so much for males. Beyond that advice picking up a mic is pretty subjective most people will just tell you to get the kind of mic they have. Best thing to do is find a store that'll let you test a few.

I'd look into the Audio-Technia 4033 or 3060. For the price I think that AT makes some of the best mid-range (priced) mics on the market.

Chris

K2, and c414 at the top of your range

I second LittleDog's opinion of Audio Technica. My choices are the 3035 and 4050, $185 and $400-500 depending who you buy it from.

The ATs are good. I've got a 4033 that is really pleasing on a lot of sources. Check out Rode, too. I've been reviewing a NT2 and it is quite a nice mic.

Mike

the AT line is really good espesaly in the price range that you mentioned. i would steer cleer of rode unless you have a really good mic pre, the rode sound good through a nice mic pre but sound hollow through a bad mic pre, espesialy at high SPL.

I also recommend the Audio Technica line. I recently tried an ADK Hamburg - sounded great for that price. Got an ADK TC on the way. I'll post feedback on it asap.

The 4040 is a steal. My favorite for vocals and acoustic guitars is the 4047SV.

Of course, oalah (opinions are like...)

If you went with the audio technica mics mentioned you really can't go wrong, sure there are better sounding mics, but most are much more expensive or are more limited in what they can do. Like i said i have the baby bottle by blue and honestly there are some vocalists i can't make sound right on it, almost wish i'd bought something more versatile like an at4040

I'm going to add my $.02 in here and say that the Audio Technica line will do you right. The 4047 is one of my favorites although I think that the 4040, 4050, 3035, etc, are a little more versatile.

thanks for all the input guys. i really appreciate it...