Upton Microphones - 251 Tube Condenser Microphone

Came here to say that. Upton 251 is my main vocal mic. Love. It.

Seconding this. Sounds like you’ve got the “big chest” thing covered with your 47 and Bottle. You’ve got your “clean and clear solid state” covered with the 87. 251 would be the characterful halfway point between the two. More open than a 47 but uniquely tubey with a forward but pleasant upper mid. Also, Heiserman makes amazing mics. They’d be my go to for any classic designs. If that doesn’t seem like a distinct enough color relative to your other mics, maybe something like an AEA/RCA 44 or similar? Super versatile on drums/instruments but for the right voice? Magic.

Upton 251 all day

both stretching the budget a bit, but perhaps obtainable with some searching and negotiating.. * Used Brauner VM1 or VMX * 251 clone. since you have the 47 covered. I have the Brauner VMA and I'm obsessed with it. U87 sounds lofi in comparison. I use it mostly in VMX mode. Theres a VM1 on reverb for $4900.

Upton 251 if you can stretch your budget or find one used, Telefunken TF-51 is also a sweet mic.

The Upton is a great clone; open, forward (in a pleasing way) and has a smooth low-end. The TF-51 is kind of a blend between a C12 and a 251. The high-midrange is more aggressive than the 251, but it sparkles - great on female vocals. It also has an open top-end, but depending on your use-case, it could get sibilant. Nothing some de-essing can't handle though. Mind you, my experience has been with the AR-51, before they rebranded to TF-51. Don't think there's a difference, but Telefunken has audio samples on their website you can check out. IMO, it's a pretty sounding mic and it made me go "whoah", when I first heard it next to my 1972 U87. The pop vocals I recorded had that "polished" sound that I was missing from my 87. Oh, also - another recommendation is the REDD mic. It's in the same price range of the Upton, though.

Upton 251 I’ve had many mics I’d like to know about the adk z mic though lol

Yea I have a upton 251 and a peso p12 the upton is in another league man at times I have to go in there and make sure it’s working because it’s that quiet and extremely clear,when I stepped up to that level of microphone it clicked like oh ok I get the hype,and their customer service is top tier,so when I bought the microphone on reverb I plugged it in once everything seemed fine the guy that sold it sold me a mic with issues ,I reached out to the owner of upton Dallas told him the situation and he repaired it for low money so the owner is a great guy as well ,I gave the upton into a Cl1b and it is clean and clear .