As near as I can tell, I'm about the only person around here that likes AKG dynamics, but I would pick
a D770 before a 57 for vocals. It just works better with my voice. But then so does D690, a discontinued cheapie. I use a 57 for many things, but vocals isn't one of them. The comment above was accurate. In your price range, what you get are stage mics which can be used for recording vocals. The next step up is
Shure SM7B, Sennheiser 421 and God's personal dynamic, Sennheiser 441. But the sticker shock will get you. I will say this though- if your voice doesn't sound so good on the Shure, try an AKG.-Richie
