If I were starting over the mic "collection", would be thinking of at least
THREE vocal microphones totalling under $1000.
Here would be some further candidates besides what's already mentioned;
1) Studio Projects T3 (haven't tried
the Rode K2 BTW)
2) Electrovoice RE20, RE15, or RE16
3)
Electro-Voice 635a
4) Beyer Soundstar MKII aka Model 400 or M400
5) Beyer M88
6) Shure 545, 546, SM56, or 548
7) Beyer M160 or M500
8) Sennheiser 441 or 421 (probably not new MKII version)
The most flexible microphone has turned out to be the Soundstar MKII for me, however, this was only after a LOT of experimenting.
Like the SM7, it has an "expensive" sound on my voice type.
Here's what I have now;
Beyer Soundstar MKII
EV 635a
EV RE15
Shure 546 and a SM57 (original-made in USA/not Mexico)
EV 666 (similar to RE20)
AKG D790
Shure 548 Unidyne IV
All these can be excellent on various types of material though.
Chris
P.S. I I HAD to spend $1000 or so on one mic, the AEA R84 would top
the shortlist.