Mic and Pre-amp (what do you think?)

[johnnypraze]

I was just at a home studio (in process) at a friends of mine, and His mic and pre-amp consist of the following:

Marshall Electronics MXL2003
http://www.zzounds.com/love.music?p=...=1624112661670

ART Tube MP Microphone Preamp (Model 127)
http://www.zzounds.com/love.music?p=...=1624112661670

Im looking for something to make Hip-Hop/R&B demos and promo cds. I liked the sound of this mic, despite the lack of extras (ie: nice soundcard, room conditions, etc...)

I think I could make something nice from a similar set-up.

How is this mic and pre-amp? What else can I find thats comparable/nicer at a price similar or a little more?

It will be strictly for vocals...

I will most likely be using cakewalk as my studio.

Please help, all info is appreciated...

[ozraves]

for that price the audio buddy is a better preamp.

www.piemusic.com/mp/buddy.html

good luck.

i think a better r&b mic is the audio technica at3035 which is $149 from www.fullcompass.com

i got a review of that one as well. www.piemusic.com/mp/at3035.html

[chessrock]

I can see that particular combo doing okay. The mxl2003 is sometimes overly-bright, while the tube mp has a way of dulling down (taming) the high end on mics like that -- so I can see that combination doing the job.