The Shure SM 58 is the industry standard..
The Shure ''Beta'' 58 is a step up on that.
Great all round mike.
Most any of the mics in the $100-150 dollar range will behave similarly.
Where you really want to focus your attention is on your mic's pre-amp.
Much like a guitarist will tell you that a $100 guitar through a $500 amp will sound better than a $1000 guitar through a $100 amp, a mic is only as good as the pre-amp and board you're running it through.
For lower priced gear, I really like the ART tube pre-amps, they have a wonderfull warmth to them, are very durable, and the digital out puts make wiring them up to either a mixing board or a computer a snap. I've seen them as low as $225 and they really do do a pretty good job with most mics.
"The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side." -- HST
The Shure ''Beta'' 58 rules!!!
