sup guys

[mswilson2007]

As you can see I'm BRAND SPANKIN NEW HERE...FRESH MEAT if you will. Just another noob here to ask a age old question.
But I'm here to ask about PreAmps...I've been doing some recording on my computer with a MXL 900 and something called a MicMate now it works ok...but my level is looowwwwwww....with that said I want to get a preamp..so I have several questions.

First I'm a rapper...so I just want to get vocals...I'm currently using Audition and Cool Edit Pro interchangeably...I have a MXL condeser mic so I'll need something with Phantom power.
With that said...
What's the cheapest preamp available because I am but a lonely college student with no job lol
Also
As I'm sure you've realized...I don't want studio over the top...platinum record quality...but I want a good quality for me and my friends to record...what are some things you guys would suggest me investing in...given the fact that my budget is little to nothing.

 

[aimpark]

Hi!

I used to have PreSonus BlueTube DP once, that was kinda decent for the price, but you can also get a TubePRE which is cheap. But maybe you should consider getting an audio interface with a built-in pre, just saying.

depends on where you wanna go with your music.

hope that helped.

 

[TheChikenMaster]

You will need a interface in your situation. There are plenty good cheap ones with built in preamps. Get a used one.

 

[flyingsoulo]

I second the TubePRE. Its about 100 bones brand new (I'm sure you could find a used one on ebay or craigslist for about 60). I've had great success with mine.

If you want to hear an example of a TubePRE in action, this is a band that recorded a vocal track through my TubePRE.
http://www.myspace.com/autobahnthought

"Back of My Head" was recorded through my TubePRE and "The Betrayel" was recorded straight through an MBox Mini mic pre. Both tracks were recorded with an MXL 900. Hope that helps.

 

[pint07]

If I were you I would ebay a cheap small interface (such as a M-Audio Mobilepre). Then if you're still not getting the sound you want, go with a M-Audio DMP3. I still use mine with my firestudio setup. I love it.