Beyerdynamic - M 88

Some of my favorites that I got for very cheap: Phillips stereo mics -- input two XLR connectors on. Sound awesome on drums, on guitar cabs, and for acoustic recordings. Beyerdynamic m300 -- killer on toms. I prefer these to the Sennheiser md421s. Cheaper too. Huge bottom end and punchy as hell. Senator hifi microphone -- I can't find much info. Dual impedance. Paid like 40. Put an XLR instead of the din. Basically looks like a German copy of the RCA starmaker 97 from the 60s and 70s. Built like an absolute unit. Sounds great on snare, bass and guitar cabs, and boomy acoustics. Strasser m88 copy -- awesome for clean guitars and vocals. Uher mics -- I have several different models. I convert to XLR, and these have all surprised me. People say the capsules were made by akg, but the uhers sound better than every akg dynamic I've ever had. The capsules tend to be larger than most dynamics and it does something special. I would pick the Uher over an sm57 any day. Don't let the plastic body models fool you. They're excellent sounding. Great on vocals, guitar cabs, toms, snares, kicks, bass, brass. Toa microphones -- slept on Japanese mics. Some models are better than others, especially the stuff they made in the 1970s when they were making high quality studio gear. I've gotten several rather cheap and they don't disappoint. Beautiful designs that stand out and excellent quality. Both the dynamics and pencil condensers are good. The pencils aren't overly hyped, so very nice for today's digital world.

Beyerdynamic M88 on kick out, sennheiser 441 on snare top. I get pissed when I encounter a kit where I can't fit the 441 in on snare. Its delicious and is amazing for hat rejection.

They aren’t “cheap” but the M160 is one of the best and most versatile microphones in my studio. I use it on every session and have plenty of more expensive mics I can’t say the same about. I also vote for the M88 and M201. Along with the headphones Beyerdynamic is well represented at my spot.

Also, in fairness, I think the M88 is a little pricier than the 421. Great mic though

The beyerdynamic dynamic kick mic is awesome too. All their mics are.

Maybe not totally underrated but a beyer m88

Unless you're really certain that you need a super- or hypercardioid for monitor placement or other gain-before-feedback reasons, then I'd recommend sticking with a cardioid because that pattern is a lot more forgiving whenever it comes time to sway from side to side or peek at the fretboard. While the Beta 58a, M88, M80, and MD431 will all have a touch more \*sparkle sparkle\* than an SM58 when you're right on top of them, move your mouth an inch to either side and all of a sudden they've got a blanket over them. The AKG, being a condenser, seems like more trouble than it would be worth unless you're planning on switching to in-ear monitoring. While not fancy, the Sennheiser e935 might be worth a try if you just want a bit more clarity than the SM58.

M201/M88 and you'll have no excuse.

V7 is incredible for live so know there isn't too much of a gap here. My pick is a M88, it has such a tight low end pick up for baritone with a nice presence bump. Translates V well through any speaker. Love it. V7 has better plosive rejection, just sounds a little hyped where the M88 is v natural.

Ribbon mics are pretty darned good with deep lows if that's what you're looking for. If you get right on em, the proximity effect is so deep you'll probably wanna cut lows (or better yet, back off the mic). My vocal go to is either a Neumann m149 or a RCA BK5b depending on what the project is. If you're not worried about vocals and want a mic that has lots of low end, check out a kick drum mic like a Beyer M88. Although I do believe they are considered vocal mics by some...Ive always found them a bit whompy for the kind of vocals that I like.

I think the answer is: it depends. If they do classical, Schoeps or DPA. Maybe Gefell or Josephson. Rock: dynamics like MD421, MD441, RE20, EV635, M88, M201, SM58, SM57. Acoustic/vocal stuff: Gefell, good Neumanns (KM84, U67, U57), Beyer MC930, Josephsons. A ribbon can find its place in many places as well.