I don't mean to make your decision tougher - but a really good mic in that price range is the Shure KSM32 ($499 - $549). Or if you like the idea of multiple patterns you can look at the KSM44 ($699).
I haven't really used the AT4050 so i can't tell which one is better, but I'm very impressed by the TLM103. It behaves like a really expensive mic. I recommend it.
I don't mean to make your decision tougher either, but what the hell...
I auditioned all of these mics one right after each other in the same sound room. And I got the AT4047. The 4047 cost less than $500 and I thought it sounded better for vocals than the 4050 (which was also very good). It does not have multiple patterns (which is why it costs less than the 4050). It's supposedly designed to have a tube-like sound (as is the TLM103). I thought they were both better than those Shures. The TLM103 was great, but cost more than $400 more than the 4047 (PLUS you have to buy the shockmount, which is included in the ATs), and the slight quality difference wasn't worth it to me.
I've tried the Neumann and the AT4050.
Not to slight Slim, I didn't hear that the TLM 103 is supposed to sound like a tube. It was supposed to emulate the more expensive U87. No such luck.
I love the mic for the bucks though but you probably want more patterns.
Omni, fig 8 and Cardiod come in handy on single sources if you want room, or just a round spectrum. I vote for a multi.
And yes you should check out the KSM44.FB is right. The KSM32 is another one I might purchase. It is robust on the lows and very airy on the highs. No harsh.
