A few choices:

Neumann TLM103
AKG C414
Rode NT

All a fairly decent Step-up from your Audio Technica.

but im thinking about an At 4040, a Rhode NT or up, and mabye an AKG or so. im cool with it, but if theres a mic between a $3000 Neumann and my AT3035 that can make a huge difference im all ears... Thanks

Hi,
The 3035 is a fine entry level mic and can be decently used particularly for hip-hop.
If you are indeed looking for an upgrade, you really need to know why. Some common reasons for upgrading are:
1. Transparent lows and/or crispy highs
2. Midrange clarity
3. Silky smooth vintage vocal sound
4. Tailored vocal response
5. Better sensitivity
6. Low self noise
7. High SPL handling
8. Multipattern
9. Tube sound
10. Pride of possessing a 2K plus mic!!

The reason for the above list is to help in identifying any specific desirable single or multiple combinations.
There really is'nt any mic that offers all of the above combinations.
Nevertheless, I could suggest (Price range 400-10K+):

- Neumann U87/Blue bottle for items 2,4,5,6,8
- Neumann M149 (U47 replacement) for 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10
- Neumann TLM 103 for 1,2,5,6,7
- Neumann TLM170R for 1,2,3,6,7,8
- Gefell M930 for items 1,2,3,5,6
- Gefell UMT800 for 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,10
- Rode K2 for 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9
- Rode NT2000/2A for 1,2,3,5,6,7,8
- AT3060 for 2,4,5,6,7,9
- AT4047 for 1,2,4,6,7,8
- AKG 414 XLS (new) for 1,2,4,5,6,7,8
- AKG Solid Tube for 1,2,3,6,7,9
- Telefunken M251F for 1,2,3,6,8,9,10
- AKG C12VR for 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9,10
- Sony C800G for 1,2,3,6,8,9,10

I've deliberately quoted the ones above 2K just in case!!

Glad to be of help.

The AT4047, 4040, 4050, and 4060 are definitely mics that can hang with the big boys.

so many cool mics out there for a good price... we are definitely living in great times for mics-

hello..i recently onticed your knowledge on mics and was wondering if u can help me..im using a rode k2 with a digidesign 002 no preamp...but recently ive vacated my studio and am no lo nger using a booth..im in an unfinished basement.. relized the sound is kinda cold and empty...what would you recomend i switch 2...by the way i use it to record hip hop and soul

I'd do either a KSM44 or AKG C414 for the same reasons..

-Under $1k
-Multi-pattern
-Great on multiple sources

I'd pick the KSM44 for it's neutral character, really low self noise, and it's built like a tank.