TLM 102

This is a blanketed statement, but it is hard to make a good to great sounding condensor microphone for a reasonable price. Even Neumann generally falls at this sans the TLM 102.

Go for the tlm 102 or 103 if you already like the sound signature of the nt1a and is looking for better detail in your recordings

For any professional voice work it is recommended to invest in a suitable condenser mic (something you will only have to do once if done properly). A couple of great budget options that are staples in the industry are the AKG C214 and Lewitt LCT 440 and more on the expensive side Neumann TLM 102, AKG C414 or Lewitt Pure Tube. For an audio interface I would recommend a Audient iD14 MK II or Audient EVO 4. The EVO is quite affordable, works out of the box on Linux and can help makes things a bit easier with the autogain function.

Those are great for shows/touring. But for vocals, you definitely want a condenser. I used the MXL for years, and then I got a VERY good deal on Amazon on a Neumann.

It matters massively and you’ll see that with experience your ears will learn to recognise the difference. It doesn’t matter how much you process a 57, it won’t compare to a Neumann, no matter what you do to it. It might sound cool in a different way, but you won’t get the high fidelity of a top notch condenser, if that’s the sound you’re going for. Think about this: If you go for an “expensive” vocal sound and have a U 87 and maybe a nice compressor, you won’t need to process it much, maybe a bit of eq and some reverb / delay. In that case you’d be MIXing. If you have a 57, you’ll have to use a ton of processing to make it sound more “expensive”. You’ll have to use multiple compressors, color eqs, cut resonances, etc. in that case you would be FIXing. Makes sense?