I'm Looking To Upgrade My Equipment ... Help Is Appreciated

[The Engineer]

I'm currently working with an AT4040 Microphone, Roland MMP-2 (Mic Modeling Pre) ... E-MU 1212m Soundcard, and KRK Rockit Powered 5 Monitors. I know this is the "Microphone Section" but I didn't know what other forum to post this in and I didn't want to make 3 seperate threads for each piece of equipment I'm upgrading (Mic, Pre, Mons) I'm willing to spend around $800 for each piece of equipment ($2,400 all together) I'm looking for a "warm, smooth and vintage" sound. I'm using this for "rap" vocals only, and I may have a singer or two come through but that's not a big deal. You can listen to http://www.soundclick.com/verbalist to get a clip of my voice "You Do Not Want To Die" (I'm first verse, and chorus)

Well if anybody could suggest some equipment, I would highly appreciate it.

Thank you, for the time and effort to help.

[The Engineer]

I was thinking about getting the ADK TC. Does anybody have any opinions on this microphone? I think I may want a tube mic, but not sure. Isn't there a flaw about tube mics? or am I just making no sense? =/

[jkokura]

Warm and smooth mic? Well...probably either a tube mic or a ribbon...

I like the Rode NTK. I've used it..and it's awesome, and it's definatly better IMO than the 4040 I have - but don't toss away your 4040...it's a great mic.

I don't know where to start in the other catagories...sorry.

Jacob

[The Engineer]

I've heard the NKT in a local studio, there's a silibance problem with the rode mics it seems to me. I was thinking the ADK TC and an Avalon pre or something. Thanks for your reply though, jkokura.

[rcarden2]

Try a re20. Between that and your at4040 you could do rap and singing while having two completly different sounding mics.

[Dan Micah]

I really like my Alesis powered monitors. Not top of the range by any means, but quite true, clean and easy to mix by.
Only about $350/pair!

http://www.alesis.com/products/m1active/
http://www.zzounds.com/item--ALEM1AMK2

Dan

[Giganova]

Get a Gefell M930 mic which should be within your budget. Nice allrounder mic!