Best first setup of these options for $150

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johnnycr

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So I've got about $150 to spend on a beginning recording setup. I've spent a good part of the last couple of days researching my options and need help decided which is the best route to go. I will be mostly recording acoustic guitar and vocals, but may want to use the setup for recording electric guitar or brass instruments in the future. Here are the options that I've come up with... if you have a suggestion for something better please let me know.

Option 1: Blue Yeti ($100-120)
Option 2: Lexicon Alpha USB interface + Audio Technica AT2020 ($130 for both)
Option 3: Behringer 502USB + Audio Technica AT2020 ($130 for both)

I would love to get a nicer interface like the Focusrite 2i2, but that would cost me over $100 and leave me with no money for a mic. Also, I've listened to some demos of recordings on the Behringer mixers and they sound good enough for what I'm looking for. I know the Behringer stuff gets a bad rap often times, but I think it's good enough for me. At the same time, I'm sure that the Lexicon Alpha would be good enough for me as well, the only thing I'm worried about is the lack of phantom power. So... which option would give me the best quality? Feel free to recommend other options. Please don't recommend "waiting and saving for something better." I am well aware of that option and know I can get better equipment if I pay more. However, I don't want to spend more than $150 on first time equipment. If I really get into home recording I will be more than willing to spend more in the future. I'm just not in the habit of dropping loads of cash on new, untested hobbies :)
 
I would go with option number 2 if Lexicon had phantom power. Since it doesn't, it useless.
The budget is SO tight, that I have to agree to go with option 3.
 
My only caution on the Behr mixer is that despite it having phantom power, the Behr preamps are crappy (IMO), and like any inexpensive USB mixers, the A-to-D converters usually are low quality and produce a noticeable 'hum' or high-frequency noise if turned up too high.
If it's all you can afford, go for this mixer, but buy a Shure SM57 mic instead of the AT2020, it will serve you better in the long run.
 
Well it seems like if I go for anything better than the Behringer I'm going to be looking at spending $100 or so, and the best option in that price range would be the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. The cheapest I've been able to find the 2i2 is $110 new. To get that and a Shure SM57 or SM58 would be closer to $200, which I can't afford right now. The Scarlett 2i2 and SM57 would be my ideal setup but I unless I can find the Focusrite used for under $100 and the Shure used for under $70 it's not going to happen. If someone has a recommendation for places to look for used equipment please share. So far I haven't been able to find a decent price on a used Scarlett 2i2.
 
Not sure where you are located, but check Ebay and Guitar Center's used listings - if you buy a used Shure SM57, be sure its not counterfeit. As a very good alternative to the SM57 for a lot less money, go for the GLS ES57 - I've got two of them and they are comparable to the Shure.

Give youself an extra month, you can't scrape together another $50? Is it that important to start immediately? I'll tell you from experience, that buying lower end gear just loses you money (and time) in the long run.
 
I can probably get the Focusrite if I wait a little bit. It's really just a matter of what I'm willing to spend to get started. I have tons of student loans to pay off from graduate school and I'm barely making ends meet working two part time jobs and we have a baby on the way next month. Needless to say... money to spend on recording equipment is (and will be for a while) nonexistant. I'll try to shoot for the Focusrite and the Shure mic if I can.
 
To wait for the scarlett is definitely the best choice, for that price i don't think that there is another interface with better mic preamps, and you won't need to change if for couple of years, if you can't wait get fast track mkII.
 
If you go with the Focusrite, I don't think you would be disappointed with a GLS Audio ES-57 or ES-58. These cost under $30 a piece (shipping extra) and they sound very good. This would form a functional starting point from which you could build as finances permit.
 
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