Thoughts about possible gear purchases

[mudrummer99]

Hello all,
I'm very new to the recording realm. I am looking to set up a home recording studio in my spare bedroom. I have been researching equipment pretty well non-stop for the past 2 weeks and have come up with what I think is a decent shopping list, but since I am so inexperienced with this I would love any feedback or further suggestions for equipment so I don't make a horrific (read:expensive) mistake.

This set up will be routed through two different computers, mainly my desktop computer that will be able to handle anything that can be thrown at it and a laptop that is pretty well capable, but not nearly as well geared out. Both are running Windows XP and the desktop dual-boots with Vista as well. It makes no difference to me what OS I use, I'm comfortable with both.

Now for the recording gear:
Audio Interface: PreSonus Firebox w/ Cubase 4 LE (is it worth upgrading to Cubase 4 Studio for an extra $200?)
Microphones: Sterling Audio ST55 x1 and ST31 x1 (anyone have any positives or negatives about these or other suggestions in the same price range $300 for a pair)
Monitors: Yamaha HS50m x2
Cables: Probably Livewire cabling since Guitar Center is where I'll probably get my equipment
Stands: Same as above, whatever GC carries that's a reasonable price.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for the help.

Mike

 

[suprstar]

I dont use one but I havent heard anything negative about presonus interfaces. If you're like me and dont need all the ins and out you could get by with a mixer and save a few bucks. If I was to expand that's probably the unit I'd get.

As far as Cubase is concerned, this pdf lists all the differences in Cubase versions, you can see exactly what your extra $200 gets you. I don't need anything more than LE gives, but you might.

ftp://ftp.steinberg.net/Download/Cubase_SX_3/Docs_English/All_Cubase_Feature_Comparison.pdf