Focusrite ISA 428 and AKG 414...good choice?

[normanguitar]

I'm posting this to get some feedback and also maybe to help someone else who's in my position. I started the upgrade Preamp + Microphone search about a month ago and I'm slowly narrowing it down. I have a Digi 002 and I'm currently using the inboard 002 pre's with SM57s and AKG C1000s. 70% of the time I'm recording acoustic guitar and vocals and the rest is a mix of piano and other random stuff. My current top choice for pre is Focusrite ISA 428. I like the 428 because it's 4 preamps, variable impedence, has digital output option, and price. I huge part of this preference is the digital option. I don't want to spend a ton of money on a preamp and have my weak link be the 002s A/D converters. From what I've read, the 428s A/D converters will be better than the 002s. And even though there are only 4 preamps, there is still room for 4 more channels of conversion so I can upgrade preamps again later and still use the Focusrite converters. I don't think I'll be able to break $2k for the preamp+A/D conversion and I can't find anything that beats 4 nice Pre's and 8 channels of conversion for that price. It seems that some elitists prefer some names that aren't as well known but I think if it's good enough for Sting, it's definitely good enough for me.
Now on to microphones. My SM57s are awesome as always but I've grown out of my AKG C1000 and I want a real workhorse condenser for acoustics and vocals. I'm inbetween the AKG 414 and Neumann TLM 103. I like the versatility of the AKG's multiple patterns but I also like what the 103 can do for a vocal sound. Price is not really a part of the competition because of the ebay equalizer. Anyone have any other ideas? I hear good things about Audio Technica. I also don't have much of a preference on color or transparency. I realize the preamp is part of this equation. My philosophy is, if it sounds good in the room then you can't be wrong with transparent.
I guess I'm posting all this to say, does my thinking make any sense? Hopefully this could help out somebody else in the same position and at the very least, it's always fun to talk about right? Thanks.

 

[earworm]

the AKG 414 is awesome !
i record vocals and accoustic guitars, this mic just kicks ass !
well, its just the mic i use for everything,
you can't go wrong with this one !

the audio technica 4050 is a real good mic too, but i just prefer that AKG,
the different patterns are very very helpful..

for a preamp, sorry, don't know the focusrite,
i got a joemeek vc8 and am real pleased with this one

 

[normanguitar]

Akg 414

Thanks for the reply. I am starting to lean towards the AKG 414 over other mics I've checked out. I'm in a band and our vocalist is very very good and so I had a bit of an urge to try and get a mic that would add the perfect color to his voice but I think maybe I shouldn't get greedy. Since I will be using the mic for many things besides vocals, and from what I've heard from the 414 and heard about the 414, it's a very accurate mic that works great in all applications. I also like the multiple patterns.

 

[night'schild]

The Focusrite ISA428 is a great pre package especially if you have a DAW and are looking to add some extra channels via lightpipe. It is the all in one pre you can record anything with. I have a similiar version but it only has one channel it's called the ISA430. I love that unit because it has so many features. Although it is a great pre you might want to look at some units using tubes. I found that the akg 414 sound best with a good tube pre to add a little bit of warmth I fell the signal is lacking. The akg is a great choice, get that mic and if you can swing it get 2. I like using them as a stereo setup for drums and acoustic guitar.