NeumannTLM 170 R MT Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone Black

This is the best sound that I have ever gotten on my five digit Selmer Mark VI tenor saxophone with a hard rubber mouthpiece. I haven't been able to produce a sound on my own at home that rivaled the big studios here in L.A. that I've recorded in. This mic has literally changed my life!!! I am now so inspired to write and record demos at home. I was telling a well known engineer about my inability to get a good sound and he recommended several microphones that could do a better job than what I had for a little more money. The TLM 170 was high on his list of mics that aren't in the 5 digit price range. He was spot on. I was using the AKG 414 and recording at 44.1khz with stock plug-ins. The horn sounded very "boxy" almost tubby. Now it's like listening to the horn in real life, unaltered with a lot of presence!!!There are a number of variables that aligned to make this a great experience for me:1) - Small spaces are hard rooms to record in because the sound bounces off the walls all over the place. I treated the room with foam tiles, including the ceiling and put a rug on the floor.2) - Years ago I was told that it doesn't make a difference if you record in 44.1khz vs 96khz, and that is far from the truth. Going from 44.1 to 96 is almost like going from analog tv to 4k Hi-Def.3) - Amazing plug-ins for Logic Pro X, I'm using FabFilter's 30-day demos and they are killing it!4) - I'm using the Universal Audio Apollo Twin interfaceThe mic sounds amazing on sax even without any effects or processing. I'm not an engineer and don't desire to be either, but I do want enough knowledge to produce a good recording at home. This microphone has helped me surpass my wildest dreams of getting a good sound at home.