I was looking to get a decent vocal recording microphone for say $150 to $200 for Christmas.  Anyone have any ideas?  I want to use it to record my vocals or spoken voice and other people singing. 

I'm with L8-01. I have a Rode NT2 for my main vocal mike it's great. Definetly go for a large diaphram Condenser mic though.

There aren't many decent mics for that price, but the studio projects C1 is pretty decent, or you can always go with the staple SM57 or 58's, they are rock solid and can sound pretty good too.  If you get down the road and want to do more, invest in a real preamp, you'll get a long way with that. 

Well on a budget the SM 57 series is probably the most used mic in studios everywhere.  Obviously recording vocals is alot to matching the right mic and a solid preamp with the vocalist.  There are a few that work well in a lot of situations, but not everyone can afford a neuman u87. 

I think my point is really that if you have an OK mic, and a really nice preamp, you can get farther than a good mic, and a crappy pre.  Obviously having the the best of both is premier, but it all depends on what your goals and budget are etc.  I don't do alot of vocal recording, but when I do I have an API 7600 channel strip that sounds pretty great.  I've got just a an Ok mic, I think its an Audio Technica 4040.  Another fantastic sounding pre is a Great River, Rupert Neve Designs, or A designs Pacifica, list is long I guess.

Yeah Nice

^ you can't  .  I recommended the budget mics already in that price rangs, I just mentioned it if people were more serious down the road to look into those units.  It makes a big difference for serious users. 

Hey Davo,

Cool yeah the AKG Perception 200 Condenser Microphone retails for about $400 but I found it on sale for $160......so I don't know if that makes a difference or not....