Audio-Technica - AT4033a

It all depends on which $100 mic you are comparing to which $500 mic. Personally, I like the at4040 very much. That said, I use mine for recording instruments. I prefer the sound of the at4033 for vocals. It just gives them something a little extra.

Ill cast my vote for 2 mics in the Audio Technica line. The AT4040 for recording instruments. I love this mic because it hears like I do. When the guitar amp I'm recording sounds good, when I put an AT4040 in front of it, I get what I heard in the room. For vocals, I prefer the AT 4033. It does something in the mids that just makes the vocals jump from the speakers. I love both those mics That said, the standard mic for rap is the Sony C800. It's bloody crazy expensive with its cooler and all. Warm Audio makes a version of that mic that is much mire reasonably priced that I suspect you would like a great deal. Having said that, these are all mic pipe dreams. The absolute best thing you can do is to beg barrow or rent any mic you are thinking of before you buy it. Working with the mic will tell you what you need to know and eliminate the guess work.

For a male bass/baritone, Blue Baby Bottle (buy used, NOT se version) For tenor, look for a used Audio Technica At4033cl. Dynamic: sE v7, or Shure sm57 (which everyone should have anyway.)

SM57, AT4033 and a Nohype LRM-2b

Like u/BarneyBarnac said, the 2020 is a workhorse. If you wanna spend a few bucks more, the 4033 is amazing. We're talking maybe $400 with roll cage or thereabout? I remember once doing an album project with a band and set up three LDC's to audition before getting down to work. A Neumann FET47, an AKG C12VR, and an AudioTechnica 4033. The Technica won out. Now that's not to say it's ALWAYS the best mic for every situation, but it's a rock lobster. Pairs really well with male voice. And tube preamps.

I made several Albums with just a 57 and an at4033.

AT 4033 is a "medium diaphragm condenser" you can find used for around $200. Amazing on acoustic sources and for one-mic singer/songwriter demos. If I had to start over with one mic in your budget, that's the one I'd look for.

A great mic on a budget is the Audio Technica 4033. I have some really high end microphones and this little guy still end up on the mic stand from time to time.

at4033a is a major leap up though. is 250 cheap? that's what I got mine used for

it just sounds a bit better in the upper mids. 2020s are ok but I feel like that I put into my 4033a is a lot closer to what I hear recorded. hard to describe

I love my Audio Technicas. I had a 2035 and currently use a 4033 and love it. But THE MOST CRITICAL THING is that you have a properly treated room! If you have no treatment, spend half your mic budget on auralex or a reflection filter. If all you have now is a crappy mic, upgrade your acoustic treatment first and worry about a better mic later. You can polish a turd, but at the end of the day, all you'll have is a polished turd. The best mic in the world will only record how bad your environment is.

Love my AT4033. Clear high end warm lo end. For room treatment, an acoustic blanket arced around back and sides and a foam arc in front ( of me)