I want the best possible mic with the most character

[Infiltrator]

Since audio technica condensers are too brittle on the high end and simply lack color, i was referred to an SM7b - but I heard those dont capture room tone and I think they are too bassy. I have high end diffusors in my vocal booth (in addition to panels) so those should somewhat come across in the mic if placed properly.

The vocalist is very loud but has good tone. I simply need the best possible mic out there (but not too vintage or washed out, as I am not at all looking for the beatles sound - but instead, rather a more of a modern kind of thick warmth).

Is Neumann the best bet for heaviest color and smoothest top end? I was considering a U89.

Or do I need a ribbon? But I do not want it to sound too washed out and vintage - a bit rounded but still clear highs but thick gooey highs and very modern. This is the character I am looking for.

[Craig F]

U87s have more character than U89s

the most expensive therefor the best (using Harvard tuition logic):
a vintage ELAM 251

[Dirt_]

I've found a Rode NT1 to work really well for the type of vocal you're describing. It's not nearly as brittle in the top. Smooth yet pronounced. Translates well when compressed hard and thrown into a loud mix. The AT stuff to me seems best on acoustic guitars and other instruments. Not so forgiving on vocals, especially if they're loud or aggressive.

[albee1952]

You really need to check out the Miktek C7. The best of a U87 with better midrange and body($899). I did a shootout with the C7, AR-51 and several other mics and I will be getting one as soon as funds permit The Rode NT1/NT1A is an okay cheap mic, but gets much much better with the michael Joly "u87' mod (www.oktavamod.com). There are dozens of mics that will do a good job, but choosing the ultimate depends totally on the voice(and somewhat on the room). There is no perfect mic for everything. Maybe picking a price you can afford would help narrow the field some

[studiomusic]

How about a Sony C-800G? Modern sound, kick ya in the gut lows... a bunch of hip-hoppers use this exclusively.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/C800G/

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by studiomusic

How about a Sony C-800G? Modern sound, kick ya in the gut lows... a bunch of hip-hoppers use this exclusively.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/C800G/

Great mic....but have you seen the price. If you give us a dollar figure, we can offer suggestions that fit. BTW, sometimes the best possible mic is one with NO character

[Infiltrator]

Actually i found the perfect mic - the Neumann TLM49.

[Dirt_]

Oh nice. Haven't tried that one yet.

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by Dirt_

Oh nice. Haven't tried that one yet.

Interesting as I sold my TLM49 after hearing the C7

[aka21stCentury]

Now you have to 'age' it. Malt liquor spit. Coal tar residue... the works.