MICROPHONE

Okay, I've done a little research, and I have come across the Studio Projects B1 microphone.

It's $99, and the sound quality sounds good enough for my needs. I've heard tests and such done on it, so that's how I know.

Anyone else have any experience with this mic or anything?

Other than that.. okay.. the microphone seems to be checked.

What other equipment do we need?

I've been hearing about audio interfaces or something? Is that necessary for vocals?

Well it is unusual to select a mic by reviews rather than trials at a music store recording your voice using several different mics. This can be a little difficult when starting out as you are not sure what it is you are listening for but i would still suggest it before purchasing this mic, besides it is educational.
The B1 is a condenser mic and in order to operate requires phantom power which is 48 volts dc that is transmitted to the mic through the mic cable. You will also need a device to translate the signal (analog) from the mic to a digital signal that your computer can recognize. This is best accomplished with an interface.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AudioBoxUSB/

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/MAudio-Fast-Track-MKII-USB-Interface?sku=703669

these two are simply examples not recommendations. Both of these, in fact nearly all starter interfaces, come with software that will allow you to record. You will need a stand, microphone cable, headphones and monitors.
You should read carefully the required computer specs for any interface that you are considering. You might want to read through the threads on similar queries there is this same questions every two weeks.
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Thanks so much for the help :D

One thing though, you say condenser microphones need phantom power that is 48V, and when I took a look at those interfaces, they state they have "48V phantom power".. so I'm wondering if this covers the need to buy an actual phantom power power supply kind of thing?

Yes the fact that those interfaces offer phantom power is why I listed them. So no need for a seperate power supply.

Alright great

Again, thanks for all the help

Oh, about the microphone cable.. would this be enough..?

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/XLR10/

In terms of quality?

It's fine, nothing special, but adequate surely.

Cable's a cable until you start to pay bigtime for the rest of your equipment.

Thought so.. awesome :D

Hmm.. one more thing actually, I think..

How would I be able to hear whoever was on the mic at the same time we were recording? He will hear himself through his headphones, but what about me on the computer?

Anyone? :(

Depends on what interface you have.

Any monitoring you do through the PC or through another output (such as the onboard soundcard) is going to be delayed slightly, and sound out of sync.

So really you want to get a feed off an output from the interface, I can't see what one you wanted to get.

Can you clarify, whoever is on the mic, where does the headphone feed for that come from?
The headphone out on the interface?

If so you could get a simple splitter, but that causes problems and so ideally you want a headphone distribution box, something like an S-amp, you might be able to find a similar unit with only 2 outputs.