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Entry-Level Hardware

Hi guys. First post here. While I have little real-world experience, the world of audio recording has always fascinated me. Well, the opportunity for me to test out my knowledge has come around. A friend's band (genre: ska punk) wants me to do their recording. I would like to know where to start in terms of entry-level hardware. I would like to be able to record the following:

Drums signal level too hot!

I am trying to obtain a signal level of -20dBFS to -12dBFS at the input channel on Cubase 5, using the Focusrite Octopre Dynamic MkII mic preamp . The problem that I am having is with the recording of the drum tracks. The signal level that I am getting at the input bus is -1dBFS to -3dBFS even though my gains are set at zero on the mic preamp.

Need advice buying entry-level microphone

Forums

I am planing on recording vocals of a male singing rap, r&b, and alternative rock. I also want to record acoustic guitar and maybe other sound effects from outside (maracas, rocks, tools, dings, etc..)

I want to buy specifically a condenser microphone.

I did some research, and here is the list of microphones that I want to narrow down to the mic I will buy: