Welcome to RO. Just to let you know not good mojo to double post, your question will get answered. First off let me say not really nuts about M-Audio gear or most Digi design stuff that I have used. You don't require a ProFools interface to use Reason so nearly any manufacturer is compatible. IMO the mbox mini is just a small step sideways not really giving you any significant change in quality (if you are looking for a higher quality interface [[url=http://[/URL]="http://www.rme-audi…"]RME: Fireface 400[/]="http://www.rme-audi…"]RME: Fireface 400[/] though this is out of your budget.) So I guess keep your present box. ProFools will not be "better" than a recording software you already know, there is nothing wrong with Reason, so no reason to switch (sorry couldn't help it.)
The PG48 is definitely your weakest link and upgrading the mic is definitely a good idea. I would choose a SM58 over the 57 if you are primarily using it for vocals as it has a built in pop/windscreen but can add a foam ball to the 57 to slow plosives and breath noises.

The Sony headphones are good quality, if you research this forum by doing a search on headphones you will come up with a dozen or so threads on headphones. The choices are personal, I find the Sony's easy to use as I have been using them for years, though one drawback is they are not very isolated if you are using them for tracking you can get bleed, so you might want to consider that.

Do you own a good set of monitors?

sorry i thought i posted in the wrong one and tried to delete the original post but then discovered afterwards that there wasn't a delete option (or at least one that i could find :(

thanks for the valuable information .. no i don't but i was set on getting them anyway so i didn't include monitors in the post. i wanted to focus replies on my other choices. i've used a sm57 live and at band practices and absolutley love it for when i have to get up close and sing quietly which is why i included it, maybe i'll add a decent condenser . and yes the headphones will mainly be used for recording so isolation is a big thing, i'll check out other options as well. are there any cheaper options ? i just went with the sonys because thats what i heard everyone talk about.. but if there is a decent pair for half the price that will get the job done i'd rather get those instead.

First of all, one post is plenty. Posting in multiple threads is unnecessary.

You already have an interface, the Mbox isn't going to be any improvement. The software package is nice though many of the included plugins are demo versions. Strucure Free is nice and the AIR plugins sound quite good but if you're accustomed to Reason, you may be disappointed with the demo version included with ProTools LE(LIMITED Edition).

I've tried Record and I HATE it. Yes all capital letters HATE. If you are accustomed to Reason however, you might like the layout. I don't enjoy all the scrolling. I find it tedious. The lack of third party plugin support is also a major turn off for me. But, I record real instruments mainly.

It's you're pick. Only you can decide what is best for you.

i apologize, i explained in the other thread how i tried to delete one right away but couldn't figure out how .

how is proppelerhead record at recording vocals mainly? not the ui per say since that's what you seem to hate.. but does it have all the necessary tools/effects built in to be able to record/edit vocals as well as protools? or will i be disappointed in that regard? it just seems protools is lacking in the song creating/ beat making aspect from what i hear , and the reason /record bundle will be a lot cheaper than getting reason + pro tools . i want to use the programs as much to create the songs as to record them.

Cubase IMO is better software, SM7B would be a better vocal mic, those Sony headphones are good, ATH-M50's would be better. Drum beats and softsynths, plugins, Native Instruments...Battery, Absynth, Kontakt, Massive....tons of good sound...

all t hat is way too much for my budget unfortunately : ( i'm just getting started at creating music on my pc. is cubase decent standalone without native instruments komplete for creating songs?

i want to spend 1000 bucks max.. cubase + native instruments + sm 7b is already pushing 1500.. and that's without monitors, headphones, and midi controller :(

steimlem, post: 344363 wrote: all t hat is way too much for my budget unfortunately : ( i'm just getting started at creating music on my pc. is cubase decent standalone without native instruments komplete for creating songs?

i want to spend 1000 bucks max.. cubase + native instruments + sm 7b is already pushing 1500.. and that's without monitors, headphones, and midi controller :(

Well, that was just suggestions....and maybe a wish list for the future.
If I were you and had a budget of $1000...I would go online...Sweetwater, Musicians Friend, SamAsh the more the better and look for a recording bundle package that has a FW interface, Cubase. Protools or Sonar, mic(s), studio monitors, headphones, stands and cables. Pick out a few different packages that fit your budget and those components. Don't worry about which brand, just price budget and components, anything extra like stands and cables are basically free in a package. Make a list of each package that fits that criteria...get the best prices you can with sales, free shipping, warranty etc....
Then I would do a little research....read reviews on each of the different major components (FW interface, monitors, mics etc.)...start rating each package and checking off ones that don't have decent reviews etc...whittle that down and figure out what the best package would be based on your funds, prices and then order it!
They are all so close in quality these days, you would be much happier and smarter getting a full package. You still have the used stuff you have now to add into that setup or sell it later if you like...plus it's a way better value and you'll have everything you need to make new music and better recordings.
What you want to do is maximize your budget and getting everything you need to do it properly...if you go this other route you will be messing around spending money on this piece and that and not have a really decent system....this way you're stepping up with a full package ready to go now and then you can add more to it in the future....A little effort on your part to work your budget, do the research and it will be well worth the process, not to mention you will be happier with your decision

Steinberg has Cubase Essentials which is a slightly limited version. It's plenty powerful enough for most people and retails for around $100 us. Record will do what you need it to. Go to propelleheads web site and download the demo.