I'm almost there..can you help?

[meVOguy2]

I recently picked up two pieces that I've looked at for a while for my mic chain. The Vintech X73i and the Purple Audio MC77. I do voiceovers, big and ballsy, and I record into Protools. I knew all along I would have to upgrade my mic and that's where I am now. I currently use the MXL V69 and the RE20.
After my first few days of experimenting with these mics, I have a pretty good idea of what I want. Using the V69 with this setup told me very quickly that low self noise would be mandatory. Compared to the RE20 the V69 gave me that airy quality that I appreciate but that noise..whoa!! The RE20 was... well the RE20. Can I get some excitement?
If I had to describe the perfect mic for me and this application I would say:

1. Low noise
2. Airy, breathy, good with transients
3. A pad would be nice but not required.
4. Handles sibilance well
5. Under $1400

Allow me to add that "color" is just fine in my line of work and I really like "tubes". Before now I've relied on the Symetrix 528e and the Waves Gold Bundle for processing.
Also, I know some of you gear headz will frown upon this but I experimented with putting the comp/expander stage from the 528 "between" the Vintech and MC77 and then "sidechained". Between was better. The sound was not so harsh but needs fine tuning. Question: Should I consider using a compressor here?
I'm in search of the best sound that I can get. I'm experimenting with mics, configuration, settings, you name it. I'm no expert but I got "good ears". If anyone would like to share some thoughts or suggestions it would be very much appreciated.

Thanks

P.S. A few mics that have been recommended but I have yet to audition. Sennheiser 416, Peluso 2247, TLM103

 

[antichef]

If you have a good quiet room, you should check out Joly's modded Oktava MK-319 with the "premium electronics":

http://www.oktavamodshop.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_28&products_id=44

or if you have a MK-319, you can send it to him to get it modded. I did that. While I'm likely in the bottom 1% of experience-having users on this board, I do think the modded mic matches your description (no pad, though -- it gets disabled during the modification).

I love mine - the only issue I have is getting everyone and everything in my house to be really quiet when I use it. The room is next on *my* list

 

[meVOguy2]

Unfortunately, the room isn't so quiet. I am the voice, producer, and engineer on all of my projects. While not extremely noisy, the re20 barely picks up any, the room does not appear to be an issue...yet.

Thanks

 

[chessrock]

I'd look in to a Beyer M-88.

.

 

[meVOguy2]

Chessrock. That's one that hasn't been recommended to me. I've read a few reviews and indeed it does fit the description I gave. Thanks for the suggestion!! Any thoughts on the mic chain and its configuration??

 

[hoops]

I don't know much about voice overs but I see alot of the RE 20's in radio stations. Those guys on the radio get alot of bass responce.

 

[meVOguy2]

The Re20 has been a staple at every station I've worked at along with the MD421. It just doesn't give me the high end excitement that I'm looking for. I'm gonna continue the search for the perfect mic to go along with this new gear. Anyone have experience with the Sennheiser 416? Does it fit the description I gave in my original post? I've gotten mixed reviews thus far.

 

[tdukex]

Sennheiser 441?

 

[hoops]

How about a Studio Projects C3?