Since you have already ruled out so many different mics, the very first thing I would do is make a comprehensive list about each mic and it's characteristics that you DID like and DiD Not like.

And here's the thing about buying a mic you haven't tried yet. No matter what the reviews say, what the online opinions are, what the sales price is, you will NEVER truly know until you have it in your space with your abilities to use it.

When you make your list of EACH mic you have used, then you will know by simple repetition what aspects you want in a mic. Much easier to select something sight unseen but really trying it out is always best. Book an hour in a studio that has a bunch of great mics. Tell you want to shoot them out for your own needs and have a go at it.

Cheaper than buying and then selling and buying again.

Mics are like guitars. Buying a Les Paul doesn't tell you anything about how you will sound playing it. Davedog's idea I'd not thought about - but it's a good one. My accountant says I have to buy some gear - I've found somebody selling a great mic. Good price (and it is expensive) and a mic everyone says is the dog's whatsits - but every time I have bought a mic others say is wonderful, it's been less than successful. I simply hate my SM7B. It's fine. Just not 'special' in the way others bow down and pray to them. I loaded it to the band's guitarist who has fell in love with the damn thing. This is why my 'best' mic could be your worst buy ever.

Ok let me stir it up a bit.
Althought it is a valid audio interface, the uh7000 doesn't have the best preamps. Chances are you never heard the full potential of any of the mics you tried. It you still own many of those mics.. I suggest you rent or borrow a Focusrite ISA preamp, they give 80db of clean gain with a bit of mojo due to the transformers. They will give a second life to any mics. Even a SM57 will impress you with a good preamp.

I like Davedog's idea to book an hour in a studio. Mics are like gloves, you need to try many to find one that fits perfectly.
Bring your uh7000 to the studio too.. you might realise it is your bottle neck or not... Comparing is the only way to know.

Let us know how it turns out for you !

If you like the 214 go with that, or a 414. The sm7 is a classic mic for hip hop and just about every other vocal style out there. Its about as close to a " safe bet" as vocal mics get.

the classic mic used for rap vocals is an AKG C12. SM7 is a second choice.

Thanks for the feedback so far

For the money crowd, the Sony C800G is often the preferred choice, albeit it a very expensive one.

ronmac, post: 468050, member: 24337 wrote:
For the money crowd, the Sony C800G is often the preferred choice, albeit it a very expensive one.

That's what I hear with a Manley Reference or a Neumann U87/67 close behind.