Digidesign Digi 002 Factory Bundle (w/Moog Effects/Compressors/Etc.)
Neumann TLM 103
2 dbx 160As
Rode NT5 Matched Pair
LaCie 160GB FireWire Hard Drive
2 Groove Tubes "The Brick" preamps
Samson Q Kick
Beyerdynamic DT250

How's that look?

That sounds ok.

Who's vocals are you going to be recording? My might want to choose a vocal mic to suit. If you have an NT1 (bright) you may wish to have a different sounding alternative. I have not used the TLM 103.

How is your acoustic space for mixing and or recording?

Or is this a laptop setup? Either way, you may wish to buy some acoustic tiles to help treat any problems in your environment.

Our studio space is next door to (and identical to) the Sound of Music studios in Richmond. It's the same architectural setup. It's based off of a Powerbook G4 1.6 Ghz base. I'm handling quiet vocals but I want something that's solid enough to put in front of a cabinet or assist in drum overhead. Should I get a ribbon mic for the cabinets?

i have used the TLM-103 several times and was not impressed. i think an AT 4033 or 4047 would be a better choice and would probably save you a few bucks. the neumann live mic ( KMS 105?) would also be a better choice.

-ew

Are any of the higher end Rodes any good?

Here's the thing. All I need to record is the guitar cab, drum set, and vocal tracks. Everything else is covered. I basically need one really solid/versatile condenser that I can use for those applications.

So basically please PLEASE help me pick a decent condenser microphone for these applications. I'm going insane over looking at Neumanns, AKGs, ATs, Rodes. They're all 600-999 bucks and I have no idea what I'm looking at anymore.

don't get the neumann. if your going to spend £600 on a versatile condensor, then look at (as suggested) the at4033-way cheaper, and imho a nicer mic all round, the blue baby bottle-these are ok, but you either like them or you don't, the more expensive rode mics are nice also.

i think that if your looking at spending that much money then the second hand market maybe worth a look as well, although be advised that a good dealer is a better option than the fellow down the street.

I like the TLM103 on snare, and once in a great while on a guitar cab. Not much else. Much better would be one of the A-T 40 series mics like has been mentioned. Probably better to get a LDC that has multiple patterns. Sometimes having a hyper or omni pattern available comes in handy, and I don't see that capability in your original list...

I second the idea of getting AT4033. It is somewhat inexpensive and very useful and good sounding in many situations... a total workhorse mic.

I would suggest getting a PPA hard drive (160 gig, firewire 400) rather than the LaCie. They are very solid and noise/fan free.
http://www.pacificproaudio.com