Vikki,

There are two basic classic mic sounds, the Neumann and the AKG. The Neumann U49 is often considered a "male voice" mic (think Tony Bennett or Frank Sinatra), and the AKG C12 is often considered a "female voice" mic (think Billie Holiday or Ella Fitzgerald). Mostly they'd go through a Neve preamp.

Many microphone companies try to copy those sounds, Lawson is a very good, reputable, mic maker that makes 47, 49, and C12 style mics (I don't work for them smile ). There are also good Neve copies, and if you record with computer, there are good plug-ins that approximate the Neve sound (but there's nothing like the real thing). Your search might want to start with the classics, though a good old one will cost in the vicinity of ten thousand bucks.

Hope this helps.

You've got to know your limitations. I don't know what your limitations are. I found out what mine were when I was twelve. I found out that there weren't too many limitations, if I did it my way. -Johnny Cash

It's only music.
-niteshift

Mike Dunbar Music