Should I record vocals into the Fantom-X

[GamezBond]

I already have a fully blown out Roland Fantom-X.Here's my problem.I don't know if recording into a computer interface(such as a Digi) would be better than recording into the Fantom.I already have the Fantom maxed out so I can just render a wav file, and send to the PC no problem(I have Sonar/Cakewalk/Acid to edit).The Guitar Center salesman said I needed to buy a computer interface(1000$) like the digi because it was made specifically to record vocals, and the Fantom wasn't, and recordings recorded through the Digi would be of better quality.Was this salesman pulling my leg, just trying to get another sale, or was he telling the truth

[Atterion]

Well he was kinda pulling your leg. you could record to the Fantom. It would be preferable to record to the computer. Here in lies the leg pulling. You can get a viable interfacing solution for a lot less than $1000. There are several good USB interfaces available in the $200-$500 range, and even cheaper depending on what you really think you'll need.

[GamezBond]

Well see I already have the Fantom, so I don't exactly see the reason to shell out more money.Why would it be more preferable to record on the computer?I could just record the vocals into the Fantom, save it as a .wav and send to the PC for further editing.Time isn't an issue either.I'm just asking will my recordings be of better quality on the Fantom vs. a USB interface.

[Atterion]

Ohh I see. Sending 1 track at a time. The only thing is getting everything synced up. But if you have time to do that manually than by all means. OK, so regardless of what you record on (Computer, or keyboard), it would be in your best interest to at least be using a preamp specifically designed for vocals (Or at least run your vocals through a mixer channel first). Preferably something with a good EQ and dynamics section to assure you have good consistent recording levels.

[GamezBond]

I heard from somewhere else I'm going to need a Preamp,Compressor and Mic.How much do you think I'd be spending to get a "professional" result?Couldn't I just use a software compressor instead of buying a hardware one,and compress everything after it's been recorded?What would be the difference?

[Atterion]

The difference is that if you don't compress the signal before it goes into your recording medium (Keyboard or computer), you risk the signal possibly clipping the Analog-to-digital converters. Back in the day of analog only gear (Tape decks, reel-to-reels, etc) you could overdrive the signal and it would result in a mild saturation (distortion), that was very warm and pleasing. It is the most sought after characteristic of Analog gear. Digital gear uses converters to change the signal from analog to digital. problem is that you can't overdrive the converters like you can with tapes. The signal won't get warm and fuzzy, what you get is an absolutely harsh nasty sound (kinda like a cat caught in a blender). The human voice is one of the most dynamic instruments around. Why risk having to trash a perfectly awesome vocal take, because you stepped a little too close to the microphone. A compressor has the ability to tame those peaks in the signal that could otherwise destroy a perfectly good vocal take. It can also take very low volume parts and boost them up a bit, giving you a more uniform signal with better signal-to-noise ratio. Most good compressors also feature a gate section to remove unwanted hiss when no sounds are passing through (usually adjustable), a limiter section, which does just that, no sound is allowed to pass through above the volume you set (I usually set the compressor to run a few decibel underneath the limiter, and the limiter set just below the threshold for the converters). They'll also include sidechains for compressing certain frequencies only or triggering the gate (i.e. kick drum signal running into sidechain opens gate allowing signal running through compressor to play while gate is open, often a bass guitar...real popular dance music trick). At the very least if you get nothing else get a compressor.

[Atterion]

To get a "Profressional" result, you would be looking at the better part of $1000 or more. I'd suggest Focusrite Twin Track Pro (2ch. Preamp/Compressor/EQ), about $600, and the remainder on a good Condensor Mic.
But you can get a basic compressor for under $100 to $200. And that would be better than nothing. Add to that a basic mixer (with channel inserts "A Must"), for maybe another $200-$300, and you would have a basic PreAmp and EQ (and Phantom Power if you have a condensor already).