Loaded and completely subjective question, but fun to discuss I imagine...

here is my current mic locker list. nothing too great yet...and I should have $500-700 to burn on a new mic or two...any ideas what i should get for a nice lineup?

Shure B-52
Beta 57A
5 - SM 57's
Rode NT5 matched pair
AKG 414
Beta 87A
and I have access to, but do not own, an AKG C451, Shure KSM44, and Neumann T-103.

I'd like to get into perhaps some M/S...but who knows. Can you all think of a mic or 2 I mught want to look into in a $500-700 or so range?

many thanks!

What will you use the new microphone for?

I don't see any ribbons in the list you own. How about a second-hand Royer 121 or a Beyer M160?

I thought about the M160 actually. Hell, I even considered trying out the new Nady ribbons, but I'd probably be wasting some cash in the long run.
I didnt consider the Royer since I didnt think i could afford it...but perhaps I shall. The Beyer I can get for $300 or so, right?
yea...I SHOULD go ribbon on this one defintely.
I dont have a specific application in mind...I like diversity and options in the studio.

I would avoid the Nadys on advice from Rodabod, who I trust very much on this subject.

Also, don't buy any seemingly great deals on ribbon mics from sellers in China with zero feedback. Some dodgy shit happening there.

I'd steer you in the direction of a good ribbon, as it seems several people are doing. You might find a used AEA R84 or R92 for sub $700. Otherwise, the Beyerdynamic ribbons are great.

i'd suggest a shiny box ribbon (www.shinybox.com) and a shure sm7. this is a great vocal mic and does very well on electric guitars. The beyer 201 is hands down a great mic for the money for drum applications. you may be able to get all of these for your budget.

cool! thanks guys!

Yeah, a ribbon. Or some more variety in your dynamic mics...maybe a Sennheiser 421 or 441 and/or something else and ditch a couple of the 57's.

I cant find much info the on Shijny Boxes. anyone ever use them? info? they sure look cool in that "boutique" way...

Here's a link to the tapeop board where people are sharing some opinions on usage:

http://messageboard.tapeop.com/viewtopic.php?t=31323

Hope this helps

ju