Need advice on new setup ...

[rileykill]

Alright - I scraped together $1000 for a new recording setup (already have the mac book). I'm recording primarily acoustic instruments and vocals and my goal is to stay as true to the sound of the instruments as possible. So ... I'm guessing:

1) interface (firewire I guess)
2) condenser mic(s)
3) good set of headphones

I only need to record a few tracks at a time (optimally 4 but I guess 2 would do the trick) and I don't mind using the software for mixing. I don't have very much control over the room and will likely be recording in "sub optimal" conditions like other musician's living rooms. I'm holding off on monitors for now but hopefully those will follow soon. I have a SM57 around somewhere for recording amps so I guess I'm ok there ...

Thoughts? I haven't bought recording gear since my Mini Disc 4 Track so any advice about specific gear is appreciated. Thanks for the input - BTW I came over here from an acoustic instrument forum and you guys come highly recommended.

 

[rileykill]

Ok - I'm gonna give you a little more info I don't think my question is specific enough. I would like to get the nicest stuff possible keeping in mind that I don't want to have something that's obsolete when I decide to upgrade.

I'm thinking something like the MOTU 8Pre or Onyx 400F that can be the basis for a rack eventually - phantom power, decent preamps, etc.

I'm also leaning toward the best all purpose condenser mic I can get with the rest of the money (or maybe a matched pair). I need something that handles both vocals and acoustic instruments keeping in mind that I will probably buy more mics in the future and don't want this one to get thrown in the corner.

I'm ok with using Garageband to start since I'm familiar with it or maybe downloading Reaper.

I am clueless about headphones but I gotta mix somehow.