what mic is the best for its use/cost?

[i dont know]

I have endlessly searched forums/articles/reviews to get information on mics, but I either keep seeing different choices or I will see the same mic every once in awhile. I know mics are all about positioning and preference, but there has to be some underdog mics that are just damn good. I just need straightforward opinions, really. also, im working with a firestudio project and reaper software, i may eventually change to protools if possible though.

Drums- Behringer ECM8000, MXL 990's (which i dont trust...), and the Shure Sm57.

Vocals- GLS ES-57, and the AKG D 9000.

That is all I have so far. I have generally read that Nady CM100's are great for most everything, along with the CAD M177.

I know there are alot of mics, but throw me your best shots...
(I am working on a budget of 150 and under, unless the mic is really that awesome. the cheaper, the better, in my book atleast.)

Im fine with dynamics if they get the job done, but I am preferring a condenser on vocals, atleast.

thanks for your time!

 

[P. Glaser]

Hey IDK. There's a mod for your 990 a little further down the page. I'm going to try it on mine. If it smooths out some of the harshness it might be OK for vox. Studio Projects is a name bantered about quite a bit for lower cost mics. The MXL SP1 if you can get one and of course several of the other MXL mics are pretty good bang for the buck. I have a 603s that I modded and it's pretty nice on acoustic. HTH

Paul