As I've been reading around the site some more...I'm seeing that I'll need a pre-amp and some sort of compression. For my purposes, what should I get--combined for both the pre-amp and compression, I'd like to spend less than $350. Should I get one of those pre-amps that has 8 channels since I may be recording drums w/that many inputs, or since the output will be only one or two channels (out of the mixer), should I just get one with one or two inputs. If so, which one should I get? And which compressor should I get?

Thanks...I'm very new to this stuff, but it looks so fun...but expensive =

I don't really know any of the preamps out there, but a combined preamp/comp may be a good idea. For my part, although I haven't started recording a whole lot of vocals, getting a good, rather consistend level without a comp is really a bitch.

Also, I would recommend getting something else than a dynamic microphone. I have an SM58 myself, and while it's really decent it's probably better on stage live. I think a condenser microphone would give you a whole lot more details than a Shure SM57/58; I would be looking at something like a Studio Projects B1.

But apart from that, the MBox and laptop seems like an excellent choice!

The M-box has two preamps and ADA conversion, so you can start recording right away. But I'd rather have a dedicated PCI souncard and seperate preamp. IMO you can get better quality and versatility that way.

An SM57 is a good all-around mic and can sound better than a condenser on some voices.

However, if it were me and I had $500 (M-box price) for a recording chain, I'd buy the following:

M-Audio Audiophile soundcard ($150)
M-Audio DMP3 dual preamp ($150)
FMR RNC Compressor ($175)

Get an SM57 or SP B1 mic ($80)

Get some inexpensive recording software ($50)--I think Cakewalk starts at $49

And you are off and recording.

Then save another $500 for monitors.

Thank you very much for the help, both ShellTones and Ellegaard. For ShellTones - I'll have a laptop...how would I install the audiophile soundcard? I think for my purposes, it may just be easier to use the Mbox and have the pro tools software. At this stage, I'm looking to record good quality demos.

What exactly is ADA conversion...is that compression? Basically what I'm asking is....does the mbox take care of preamp/compression for me?

If so, I think that may be my best bet for what I'm trying to do.

And...since the mixer I'd probably be using to record the drums with would have a stereo output, the dual preamps on the mbox would take care of my problem there, I'm guessing.

So, basically, the questions I have are:

*Does the Mbox take care of compression for me?
*What drum mic package should I get (I plan on getting both a SM57 or SM58 and a SP B1 for vocals/guitars based on all the reading I've done)
*Will my computer be able to handle the load of recording w/its specs (1.6ghz centrino, 512MB RAM)

Thanks very much!

You can't use a PCi card with a laptop. So the MBox will be just fine - and the Pro Tools software you get with it is enough, no need to change.

ADA conversion is analog-digita-analog and has nothing to do with compression. Yes, there is built in preamps in the MBox, pretty good stuff, but no compressors.

But for miking vocals in general, I suggest searching on the subject here or elsewhere. There's gotta be a ton of threads here that discuss the best way of doing it.

I think your computer is okay. If you can afford it, some more RAM wouldn't hurt, but it's not strictly necessary.

Yes, I agree with Ellegaard. I didn't catch the laptop part.

the Mbox is perfect with your laptop, 2 pres and ADA conv., not the best conv. but useable...if u wanna go a little far u can check the 002r, 4 pres...i think 512 meg it`s enough for your work... :wink: