Any system needs several items in what's called the 'chain'. Typically, a DAW based chain goes like this - sound/source -> mic/DI -> Preamp -> Interface -> Computer(software) -> interface -> monitoring system...
What you've described so far is your plan for mics, interface and DAW...and your preamp selection is quite terrible in my opinion...
I think that any typical home studio will need just 5 mics and a DI (they are allowed more...I have too many I'm sure). 1 Large Diaphragm Condensor, 2 Small Diaphragm condensors, 1 small dynamic, 1 large dynamic, and 1 DI box. With those mics you can record drums, guitar, voice, bass, percussion, strange and crazy instruments and sounds, and such.
You've got 1 SDC and 2 LDC's mentioned. Now I'm not telling you that you HAVE to have these 5 types, nor am I telling you that you shouldn't buy what you want, but I will tell you that if you want to get your listed mics, you should understand the why, and how of those mics use, and you should understand the why and how of what mics are typically used for recording the sources you want.
Percussion can be done with dynamic or condensor mics, but which sounds better depends on the source, the specific mic. If you're recording bongos or congas or djembe's, I'd typically use dynamic mics. Look at the Shure SM57, Beta 57, Senn MD421, and
Beyer M201TG for the mics I typically use...I have used SDC's, and if you want to use the SM81 it's a pretty solid choice.
With Voice, most people will use an LDC, and sometimes a dynamic. There are lots of cost effective and solid home use LDC's like the KSM27, the MXL V67, the SP C1 and such. For dynamics you'll often hear of the SM58 and the Senn equivalent (can't remember the number). The Bluebird is another LDC - it'll be different than the KSM 27, but I think it would be overkill to get both, unless you want the different flavors the two of them will give you...
The SM81 is probably the greatest idea you have! It's a stellar mic in my opinion...but you should get 2! Most often, SDC's are used in tandem - two for overheads, 2 for acoustic guitar... most will recommend you get a matched pair which will give you a more acurate stereo image... I would recommend two for ya.
The Firebox or 410 is also a fantastic idea. I love my Maudio gear...
The preamp section is also vital...and you shouldn't just 'add' one to complete the chain. It's just as vital as the mic... What you get depends on how many channels you'll need simultaneously. If you need 1 or 2, in the budget price range there's some fantastic results available with the M Audio DMP3 (2 channel) and SP VTB-1 (one channel). For more money look at the GT Brick and the FMR RNP.
When it comes to monitors, don't think your headphones or home stereo speakers will the do the job - they won't...at all. A good idea would be to invest in some balanced, self powered monitors...look at Event for some good options...I have TR6's...
Finally, cabling... You can't do any of this without the right cables! A five dollar mic cord will only allow you to record a 5 dollar sound...be careful and get decent cable...look at making your own or having someone make cables for you...it's cheaper and you'll get fantastic cables! I like Canare starquad and Neutrik ends...
Oh yeah...the DI is used for Direct Injection...basically it will take a Bass signal and balance it so you can send it into a preamp. Great for keyboards, bass and other instruments like these. I like Radial's DI's...especially the JDI.
Hope I've helped and not confused you. Remember I'm not telling you what you HAVE to do, just what I would do if I was where you are (And I was there once and I wish someone would've told me this...)
Jacob
