hmmm - i have used neumann km184s, tlm103s, AT4051s, AKG c391b's, AKG C480/ck61s, schoeps cmc64s, gefell m300s, royer r-121s, and DPA 4011s and 4006s, along with tons of cheaper mics like the rode nt5s, SP's, etc, etc. all of these mics will do a pretty good job, if matched with the correct preamps and carefully set up. while the DPA 4011s are my current mic of choice, i cant really say i have ever found a mic that is any nicer or easier to use than my AKG c480s - the 480s and the 4011s will literally do anything extremely well due to their very flat response - nothing phases them, and they take EQ easily if needed (unlike most brighter mics). but again, you really need to find the right preamp to match the character of the mics you select to get the kind of sound you are after (and we arent all after exactly the same sound). i use millennia media HV3 pres on the DPAs and AKGs, but would choose something warmer if i were using neumanns, ATs, or most any of the cheaper mics. however, i never found a cheap preamp that i liked.