The Digi 002 mic pres are pretty sketchy at best, very un-metal-like.

Got a budget in mind?
Will you be using this mic pre for other sources (than vox)?

Chris

I don't mind the pres in the 002, but they are clean and they are Focusrite already. Unless you're ready to lay out some real $ for top of the line Focusrite vintage equipment (and from your description about your voice and experience I wouldn't recommend it) you should look to other brands AFTER you spend the time/energy deciding what you want to sound like after lessons. Your voice will change - hopefully for the better from an experienced coach.
Best advise is spend money on the lessons and wait awhile before you buy something that doesn't make the new you sound good.

mic-pres

I've got no buget in mind, happy to save for the right mic pre, as I'll probably only buy one once (..well thats the intent)

Vox is the main priority , as the guitars, bass sound great and the drums will be either studio or BFD, or combination.

Thanks for the reply !

I use the Groove Tubes Model 1b( http://www.platinum-records.com/M-AUDIO-MODEL-1B-prod6983.htm ) tube mic for rock and metal vocals and it simply works perfectly for this type of music. I bought it for $399 and I use it over my other more expensive mics. Look into a Sebatron vmp 1000 (~$850) for a great single channel pre that will do well with vocals and everything else you run thru it.

the Sebatron vmp 1000 look very interesting, and Australian owned - will look into them more, the Rhode mic I have does sound really good, but will check out the mic as well - thanks

is there a place where you can listen to the different mic pres ? to gauge the defination of "warm, light, etc" ?

Its probably a dumb question, but I'm new to this area, and keen to attatch my own thoughts to the sounds

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