Budget VO microphone

I'm doing a bit of a moon lighting mixing cable TV programs on an LE system. (yuk) I'm trying to get the guy I work for to spend a bit of money on a decent VO microphone, I want a 416MKH but he doesn't want to spend any more than US$400 I've been told to get a Studio Projects C1, but I have read mixed reviews. I need a Mic that has a bit of balls.

The C1 is a very good VO microphone for the money. Go for it.

balls with no dough? yes, the C!, for the money is pretty good. also check out RODE and Beyerdynamic. EV RE20, check that out for sure! and scour ebay. hey, isn't SOUND 80 a minneapolis thing?

I would look at the various Rode mics. For very little money you get great, and I do mean great quality, both in the sound and the build dept, and the after sales service is awsome. I have been to the Rode Factory and I was very impressed with what they were doing. I have several Rode mics and Terry Manning was at our studio recently and bought a handful of Rode Mics after sampling ours. (go to his website and check what he has to say it makes great reading. I have a couple of the shotguns that we have used for ADR and VO and they are good for that kind of sound. But hey try them yourself they are inexpensive but not cheap. best regards Simon L.

Another option is the Heil PR-40. It has gotten great reviews and is very similar to a RE20 at about 1/2 the price.