Good microphone/soundcard for me?

[squint]

I posted this in another thread but I figured I should probably start another thread too 'cause the majority of people might not see it and I need help badly! Some of this will be off topic but hopefully you'll still know how to help me. I really appreciate any responses...

I've gotta upgrade my sound card... I'm using a Hercules Game Theater XP which is meant for games and not recording. I've got Cubase VST/32 and I'm using primarily VST instruments right now (I've got my Ensoniq EPS 16+ hooked up to my soundcard with a joystick midi cable).. my mic is a Shure SM58 and I'm just plugging in the mic directly to the soundcard and recording it in Cubase and then running some effects over it. I don't like the sound of my vocals.

So I'll have about $500 to spend, and I want to get all I need in order to record good sounding vocals, and hopefully get a cheap acoustic guitar too.

I was thinking about getting the $499 C-Port thing but I don't think I need all those analog ports. I was thinking about the Maudio Audiophile, but can you hook a mic up to that? I didn't see any analog ports. Also, somebody please tell me what the use of SPIDF ports are (or whatever they're called).

For the mic, I was thinking about getting the MXL V67M for $149 from Marsmusic.com. Would that be a good buy or would you recommend something else? If it helps, my voice is kinda loud and shrill ala Jimmy Gnecco from Ours or Brandon Boyd from Incubus. Also, what would be a good mic preamp to get for that kind of voice?

Please help me people - I need to get this stuff in about a week and I'm so scared I'm gonna make the wrong purchase. I'd like to make some friends on here that I can add to my AIM list (my nickname is "cpu mang" - feel free to add me) so I can talk with them about this stuff.

Matt

 

[squint]

Click me

 

[Garak]

The audiophile has two analog inputs and two outs. They are both line level so you need a preamp like the audio buddy. The analog inputs on the audiophile are using RCA connectors and so are the digital inputs and ouputs.

You might want to find someone to trade that 58 with for a 57. The 57 is a little more suited for recording. That V67 is a nice mic for the price you may also want to look at studio projects C1, it cost a little more but its better mic.

 

[squint]

So if I got a Studio Projects C1, an audiophile, an audio buddy, and an acoustic guitar.... since I already have Cubase VST/32 (and all the best VST synths - Battery, Reaktor, Model-E, PPG Wave, etc) and a Ensoniq keyboard, I'd have pretty much all I need to get some solid song ideas down, right (they'd be acoustic pop songs with synth)?

The audiophile uses RCA connectors for analog.. does that mean I'd have to get some RCA connector thingies that convert them into a 1/4" input or whatever? (Don't you love my terminology?)

Are you sure I shouldn't spend a little more and get something better than an audio buddy - or is that the best I can get?

Another question: why can't I find the Studio Projects C1 mic anywhere for sale online? And where can I get it for the cheapest price?

Thanks for your help man! I REALLY appreciate it. Once I know more about this stuff I'll make sure to help people out like you've done for me.

 

[frank_1]

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