C1000 S (Mark IV)

Aston starlights (pair) Ev 664's, akg D112 (v1) boundary layer (any) a carbon mic (placid audio RU-80) a good ribbon (121) Blue Baby bottles and a pair of Akg C1000 (second gen, the Gold with the 9v batteries) an old Shure unidine, green bullet and a few Sennheiser 945/935s. That's what I run in my coffee shop, plus 37 others (from 1912- 2022) wish I could Post pictures. https://www.instagram.com/audiolectual?igsh=MTV5ZmwwMTRkeHdxNg==

So one thing to keep in mind (if you aren't already aware) is condenser microphones need a power source, either phantom power or a battery if the mic accepts that. You need to make sure your equipment has phantom power before choosing a condenser. Akg c1000s can accept a battery or phantom power, you can easily find a used one for $100. They are very durable for a small diaphragm condenser, so used one should be ok. I dropped one on concrete once, it was fine. They are not worth the $400 new price! There are much better condensers for $400. If you have phantom power maybe try a rode nt5 or something similar. I think those go for about $200. Or better yet, you should look at [podcastage](https://youtube.com/@podcastage?si=DlimVQ4HTKJ5n3VX). He demos like every mic known to man, and tests all of them on his voice and acoustic guitar. He's got better advice than I could ever offer.

An SM57 or two is enough. Vocals, elec guitars, drums. I direct input bass and keyboards. A small condensor is good for acoustic guitars. I use a matched pair of AKG C1000s. those also work well as drum overheads with a 57 on the kick and another on the snare. There are likely cheaper options that are as good or better now. Not changed my mics since the 1980s!

A RODE M5, a AKG C1000s (bought one used for $100 CAD) or something along those lines would be good affordable choices. But yes try the 57 (that’s used by lots of people) as well as try your WA 87 in that position and see how it sounds