Your Microphone Opinion

Basically, I'm looking for a good Condenser Mic, not tryin 2 break ma pockets too much, prolly gone get it off ebay, but i'm looking for some good quality, so if you all could tell me some of your Microphone favorites it would be greatly appreciated

A couple of people had asked a similar question a while back, here ya go.

http://www.mpc-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=7389

http://www.mpc-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=6607

Keep in mind that a mic that compliments one persons voice may not sound too good on someone elses voice. I'd also suggest getting a dececnt mic pre if you don't already have one.

What is the EXACT price you want to spend on a microphone?

I have a similar interest as I am now just starting to meet some MC's that fit my style of production... I wanna start producin them, but I have shitty quality mic's that up until now were just used to do rough ciphers of songs and shit like that (strictly for **** around wit)... I want a real nice Mic, but I wouldn't spend much more than 200 maybe 250... Maybe even if u guys could lead me in the way of a brand name that is really good in this price range... I gotta look in one of my magazines, but I think there was one articly about this company that sells inexpensive condenser mics that mimic the qualities of high end one like, let's say, a Neumann mic.

Also, do I really need a mic preamp... What will this do exactly... I'm confused about it's whole purpose.

Rode NT1000

I've been sweating those!!

Mic preamps bring a microphone level to line level. Also, condenser mics require Phantom Power, in the US usually about 48volts of electricity, to charge the air gap inside the diaphram. With this charged air, they are that much more sensitive. A preamp will usually supply an option to engage phantom power to a condenser mic. Preamps are usually like everything else: you get what you pay for (usually). The cost incured when buying one reflects a few things, but most IMPORTANTLY are: Warmth and Headroom.
Headroom is basically how many decibels you can pump through a mic pre before it peaks. Mackie pre's have very little headroom, (although more than those of a similar price), whereas a Neve channel strip will have tons more headroom available. That's good, cus you are getting more signal to tape, equaling more presence, and a better overall quality.
The M-Audio Tampa is a preamp and compressor in one unit, and sounds like it cost alot more than $600.

you get what you pay for

Ma bad ya'll, didn't notice i was abondoning my post.... Really, I don't wanna spend over $200...... that can be 200 new or 200 used, i just want a good quality mic that i can record a few acts on, ya know....

SM57 or SM58 If your not willing to spend some cash. They will get the job done.

I use a RODE NT1000 as my mic and a Focusrite Voice Master Pro as my preamp. It has everything you need on it for vocals. It is not top of the line but it will bring your vocals up a notch. I also use it to track through. I will run one track at a time through it in mono. It really helps add some punch and color to my tracks, but I can't wait to get hold of the Focusrite Liquid Channel. A bit pricey but if it performs like it is advertised it will be well worth the money. Think about it. Having 40 Mic pre's and 40 compressors all the best of the best at your finger tips. With new presets soon to follow.
Want Avalon Pre into a Neve compressor set it up. This baby has it all. I might have to get two.

What are ya'll opinions on the Rode NT1a or Rode NT1000?