SM81's and then take your better half out to dinner for the difference in cash.

I would try the MBHO MBNM440C-L. I believe they are the ones re-sold for $799 a pair in N America by [[url=http://[/URL]="http://www.audiomas…"]KEL Audio [/]="http://www.audiomas…"]KEL Audio [/] under the model number P-1. They sound excellent as OH, on ensembles, on choirs and (singly) on acoustic guitar. It's a no-frills pencil SDC with outstanding performance and tight directional pattern.

It's worth to check out

Beyerdynamic MC 930

Peluso CEMC-6

Rode NT5s are a good choice as well.

Phil

Boswell wrote: I would try the MBHO MBNM440C-L.

I thought you were joking until I read the full post - that's a ridiculous model #.

I can only comment on the 2 pairs I have -

AKG 414 B-XLS: Fantastic mics. I bought them used (not matched) for a total of $1300. My main OH mics, also used on vox, percussion, gui cabs, bass cabs, acoustic instruments, etc. Very nice on almost anything.

Cascade M39: pencil condensers, and they give the 414s a run for their money as OHs. Also great on acoustic (AB stereo), percussion, and as a room stereo pair. I'd imagine not as tight a pattern as the mic Bos mentioned. They DO pick up sounds in my space fairly easily.
Got them free as part of a package, so not sure what they cost, typically. That package was one of the best buys I've made to date, in great part due to the M39s.

Dave does make me hunger for some SM81s, though.

I think you'll find a worthy mic in almost every one mentioned. Each has its own advantages over the others. You won't know for sure unless you can try them - see if you can borrow or rent some of the suggestions, your preamps, purposes, and space make a big difference in the performance of a mic.

Hope that helps.

I have a pair of SM81s and a pair of Rode NT55s - both in your price range. I use the SM81s as overheads. The NT55s for ensemble AB or ORTF stereo recording. For things like acoustic guitar, piano, etc. it is a style choice. The SM81s have a smoother, less prominent high end. The NT55s can end up as livelier or too crispy depending on the source and your taste.

The NT55 is the same as the NT5 with a pad, rolloff, and two capsules (cardioid (like the NT5) and omni). Well worth the extra money.

I have read alot of these forums lately and am convinced that Dave and Remy are both Shure sales reps. LOL Thanks guys and Gal