That's a lot of stuff to fit into $3000, especially if you want "top quality." Your computer and software are a great starting point. Plan on a firewire interface. I would look into something like the Echo Audiofire series stuff (I own
the Audiofire 12 and love it) or the Mackie Onyx mixers and FW cards (which I also love.) The Presonus Firepod and the MOTU 8pre are good choices also. Any of these should cost $400-$1000, depending on the number of inputs you need.
It would be a good idea to purchase a single or dual channel preamp in addition (the Audiofire 12 is the only one above without a preamp, you would need a seperate mixer with that one) and you can plan on spending $200-$2000+ on that.
Monitors start at about $300/pr for decent quality, but most of those are lacking in bass response and contain smaller woofers.
Mics... well, go search the mic forum... there is too much to say on that topic...
Here's what I'd do:
MOTU 8pre- $550
Art MPA Gold Preamp- $300
Tube upgrade for above- $50
Art Pro VLA Compresor- $300
Shure SM7b Dynamic Mic- $350
Shure Drum Mic Package- $400
MXL 603s pr (used)- $200
KRK RP8 Moniors- $500
Accessories (pop filter/cabling/tuner/books/rack/lava lamp/etc)- $350
Not a bad beginner-midrange setup. But maybe you can save some money using the mics you already have or current live mixer...
Hope this helps.
Pete
