AudioBuddy Dual Mic Pre-Amp

[phatmass]

Hello all.

First, let me begin by apologizing for my ignorance regarding audio. I plan on learning a lot and just found this board today (I think I'll be spending a lot of time here soaking up the knowledge).

My question is regarding this product:

http://www.m-audio.net/products/m-audio/audibudy.php

I'm making a Christian hip-hop compilation CD with a bunch of amatuer artists, so no "real" instruments are involved (well, except a turntable). My main issue right now is recording good vocal audio into my PC. The software I'm using is Cool Edit Pro 2.0.

Here is what I have so far:
- 18-bit 48KHz sound card
- Shure SM58 mic

Basically, I have three questions...
1. Is my sound card good enough?
2. Was my mic purchase a good decision?
3. Will the M-Audio AudioBuddy product be a good buy for what I'll be using it for? (only vocals)

Man, any help or additional suggestion would be highly appreciated. I look forward to contributing in this forum--glad I found it.

[darrin_h2000]

Used at $25 dollars Its a good value and will improve things alot.

[phatmass]

Hmmm... I was looking at $79 new for the AudioBuddy.

Does anybody have any advise for a product that does something similar?

On another note, I went to Mars again today and the $99 Shure mic I bought 3 days ago is now $79. I feel dirty.

I was also looking at a new Mackie 1202 mixer for $299. I only need 2 channels though so I felt I'd be paying for something I wouldn't use to it's full potential...

The Mars in Arlington, TX is a funny site right now. It's like a huge garage sale. hehehe

[Rolando]

I would get the audiobuddy if i were you. Its clean, quiet, and cheap. The sound card and mic are ok for what you are doing, but just barely. SM58's are usually used for live performances and not in studios; however they do have decent frequency response throughout the spectrum and for hip-hop should be good enough. In my opinion, you don't need the mixer.

[phatmass]

Thx Rolando--good advice.