AKG - D5

we use podtrak8 ($350) record with 4-5 people using AKG D5s ($130ea) our shit sounds next level.

I’m not familiar enough with the current offerings, but I liked e845 and even the e835 better, both cheaper. And Audix OM3 (similar price). There are also a lot of newer mics that look better on paper, but this is just guesswork. Mics like TC MP-85 (much cheaper), Rode M1 (cheaper), and especially SE V7 (cheaper) and AKG D5 (cheaper).

I think they all have a place, Sennheiser 935 is their best live capsule that would suit a majority of voices, 945 is good but a lot brighter so you gotta take the HF boost down with that one plus it has a limited working angle so if your slightly off it dissapears , Used to love the Shure Beta 87a but then I found the AKG C535 and wayyy prefer that over it for live main vocal duties. A 58 will always be a solid option so always have a few, I have had three SE V7 capsules go dull on me and the paint comes off them so easily despite looking pretty and so as great as they are for the price the inconsistency lets it down. Telefunken M80 is similar to 945 but behaves better on rejection and has a slightly wider axis response but yet it has some plosives close up, it’s very workable and higher quality paint grades over the V7 colors. AKG D5 is good but sounds a little veiled but again can work on some people, Earthworks Sr117 is my new go to for live condensers for band work where clarity and flat tonality is necessary and you can really carve the sound to this mic. I’m trying to keep it to myself as a secret but for the money it’s bloody awesome. Beyerdynamic M88, M69 or Soundstar Mk 2 (M400) are insanely good if you can find them for good money

I much prefer the AKG D5 - particularly over the Beta 58. The wired Sennheiser mic's I just don't like the sound. The cab mic's I don't super like either but they do okay if I blend them with a RODE M5. One of these days I'd like to try out the Austrian Audio because that's where a lot of the talent from AKG went.