another setup quandary for a stupid newbie

[rguagenti]

I am a newbie hobbyist who wants a decent sound(Don't we all??) and I'm ready to take a step up, limited by budget of course.

Here is what I got.

Running a dedicated desktop PC with a PIII, 1.0 gHz processor. 512MB RAM and 40gb HD. OS is Win 2K. Only music on this desktop, not even hooked up to the internet.

I am recording with Cakewalk HomeStudio 2004XL.

I am using the onboard soundcard that came with the PC(Allegro ESS 1989).

Oktava MK219
Bellari MP105 pre amp

I am a one man show here recording vocals, Acoustic and electric guitar and the rest MIDI.( I got a harmonica and some hand held percussion instruments for good measure as well). I am doing pop and rock, ballads and "corporate" rock type of stuff, Petty, Eagles, Boss, etc.

I've got a current budget of about $500-$550. This is where I want to go, In order:

Echo Mia MIDI soundcard $ 200
M-Audio BX5 Powered Monitors $ 300

and depending on what deal I can cut on the above

Shure SM58LC Cardioid Dynamic Mic. $ 100

Cool? For now at least?

 

[distortedrumble]

m-audio bx5 has a little more mid range than the idea of flat response samson 65a powered monitors are also $300 and they do nicely for me...you can try the alesis mk2 passives and get a power amp...the actives are $399...how many midi inputs are you needing? i'd try the audiophile 24/96 it has a midi in and out on it. $149.99 and think about the mxl 647 or studio projects B1. just some other options out there

 

[SPINSTERWUN]

You should definitely get the Alesis M1 Actives. I agree with the M-Audio 2496. All you'll need then is a mic (Shure).

It'll put you a "little" over budget (maybe a hundred dollars).

 

[HomeRec]

Shure SM58LC Cardioid Dynamic Mic. $ 100

For a microphone, have you considered the SM-57? It is the same as an SM-58 without the ball on the end of the mic, and is designed to be a bit more of a multi-purpose microphone, as opposed to the SM58, which is designed primarily for vocals. Also, the SM-57 is usually a couple of dollars less than the SM58.

 

[rguagenti]

I figured on using the Oktava MK219 for the guitar/all purpose mic and the SM58 for vocals. If the SM57 is equal to the SM58 for vocals I would go in that direction.