I've been using a Sennheiser e835 for over 20 years, which is pretty comparable to an SM 58. Started out for live vocals but works great for podcasting, and instrument micing.
For mics I use a Sennheiser e835 (vocals) or Shure sm57 (vox and instrumental)
I have a e935 but I don't think it records as well as the 835 but it kicks ass for live use... I go a into a focusrite Scarlett.
I had a AT4040 but I dropped i also have a Lewitt 440 but that thing is a temperamental bitch and needs to be in a well isolated and treated room.
Avoid USB mics. You may as well continue using your iphone
the times i swapped out the u87 i preferred: c414, rode ntk or nt2 (i dont remember which) but they were both transparent and i was happier with what i got. For stuff that was clearly warmer i borrowed a warm audio ribbon (idk the model), and even preferred the cheap mxl ribbon mic (extreme on the other end of the spectrum, arguably different use case).
i was over the u87, especially for the price. id probably even prefer a number of live mics, give me a 58beta or a senn e835 instead...
disclaimer, i only tried it on vocals, mostly female, i didnt own it, i just got to use it for 5 sessions i think. but i wouldn't shell out that cash out of my pocket for one. i would rather get a bunch more mics or id lean into a nice ribbon for that price, not sure which.
Top External Microphones on Reddit
1
Shure
SM58
79% positive of 373 users
Indestructible live workhorse; but muffled for studio vocals.
AreYouShure_81
