Audio-Technica - AT4047/SV

The OC818 is multipattern, the OC18 is the cardioid version. The OC16 has a mid-forward voicing, better suited for guitar cabs and drums and such. I picked up a Lewitt 540S a few months ago and it's quickly become my go-to LDC. Shure KSM32 is also a safe bet. Audio-Technica AT4047/SV is also fantastic but they're a bit hard to find. There's a bit of harmonic richness with the transformer that works really well on female vocals, but not the best choice if you want a super clean, modern sound.

Ur first and only mistake was using the tlm 103 for vocals, shit is the KING of creating sibilance issues Try an Austrian Audio OC818, around the same price as a 103, and it's bright too, but without any of the trashness. If you wanna spend double, Nordic Audio Labs NU 24k is genuinely amazing and might be the best vocal mic on the market. It's up there, and it's only like $1800ish. Or if you want a duller, darker sound, Audio Technica AT 4047 or Neumann U89i/TLM 170R/TLM 193. Using dark mics isn't bad. You have eq lol, just make it brighter in post. But you can't really fix a shitty sounding bright recording from a bright mic once it's recorded.

If you want a better “U87 sound” get the AT4047. 

If you’re able to put some heavy moving blankets w/ grommets on wall w/shower curtain or regular curtain rods on 2-3 walls you’d be amazed how much it could help your cause for under $100-$125. If you can eventually treat…..then hold off till you find a used AT 4047 or 4050. I’ve seen both go for under $200….and either are great mics that outperform a lot of more expensive mics. If treatment is not ever going to happen. I really think a dynamic mic is the way to go. Shure 58 is a great vocal mic. For SM7B money I’d rather have an EV RE20 any day of the week. Heil PR40 is another one to look at, but definitely lean dynamic if your room is untreated. Also, if you just want a new mic that is very good and inexpensive….the MXL BCD-1 broadcast mic is like $60 new on Amazon and hits well above that price. It may be a good solution if you want a new mic until you treat room and save up for better mics.

I‘ve got a nice 87 that I‘ve been using for 20 years now, selling my 4047 that has only seen use very rarely..

Oh snap, the 4047 is an amazing mic. I have one of the first ones made and you can put it on anything, I've recommend them often to friends who need an all around mic. They used to be cheaper unfortunately but yeah, can't go wrong with those. I travel with it when I do sessions out of town they are that good.