What mics make you drool?

[Marc Edwards]

I'm looking at purchasing a mic solely for vocals. I've had some experience with U89s, U87s, TLM140, Geffals etc. recording in other studios (with great results), but as I am buying this for my own studio I want to make sure I purchase something amazing (as I'll probably only start with 1 mic). After a bit of research the options I have so far are M129, Manley Reference and Brauner VM1. I think these are what I'm after, but I've not heard any of them. The words I'd use to best describe the sound I'm after would be smooth, warm, a bit coloured, full (but not flabby), and something that works well up really close.
What mics make you drool?

[music]

U-99 by Soundelux. Tube mic very sweet. Excellent on just about everything. I recently ran it through a Neve 1272 on male vox for rock and roll, it was smooth and warm with just the right amount of edge. I really liked it.

Keith

[Marc Edwards]

Thanks Keith, I'll add it to the list of mics to check!
Anyone else love the U-99????

Please keep the comments comming!!

[Felix]

I don't know about the U99, but I have the U-199 (FET) and its amazing for vocals. Awhile back I recall some claims that the 199 (w/o tubes) actually had better character than the 99. This is really really subjective, though, and not intended to start anything nasty. The 199 is cheaper, also, if that helps.

[lwilliam]

Lawson L47MP. Sweet!

[bluemt]

I've got an old Sure 57 with plenty of drool on it. Does that count?

[Rader Ranch]

2nd the Lawson...

[KingTor]

haven't heard the U99, but I was in a booth listening to myself in the cans on a U95S (on a niiice Summit tube pre) and I think I drooled all over the music stand. Forget a pop-screen, get a spitoon with that mic.

I also had a brief love affair with a Manley gold tube mic and it's complimenting pre. Like butter.

[Zep Dude]

I own a Soundelux U99 and love it. I've used it for male rock vocals, female pop and acoustic guitar so far with great success. It's versatile, and has a very nice character -warm lows, nice midrange and a little air on top without being siblant or harsh like some of the cheaper tube mics with hyped high end. I've had two "golden ears" engineers compliment it's sound on vocals (I run it through a Neve 1272 or Mastering Lab pre, Summit TLA100 limiter and Apogee Rosetta). If you have to buy only 1 mic for vocals, I'd strongly recommend this.

[Marc Edwards]

Looks like i'd be stupid to not listen to the U99 and the Lawson I'm surprised the M129 hasn't had any votes yet! Doesn't anyone like it?
Has anyone use the Brauner VM1?