I have a small, varied collection in my studio, and the ones I have particularly liked are:
AEA R-84 (
www.wesdooley.com);
ElectroVoice PL-20 (a.k.a. RE-20);
Studio Projects C3.
The AEA is a figure-8 ribbon mic and is very useful on all types of sound sources, especially acoustic and brass instruments.
The EV PL(RE)-20 are broadcast industry standard dynamic mics.
The Studio Projects is a large diaphragm condensor and, while pretty inexpensive as LDC's go, does a nice job capturing the sound.
Mics are just one part of the signal flow. A good preamp makes a big difference in the recorded sound, and the room and mic placement are a factor. Practice using the gear is the key to getting consistently good sounding recordings.
If you are looking for a stage mic or some cheapo thing to plug into your computer, ignore everything I have written above!
- Paul Artola
Ellicott City, Maryland