Hi Guys.

I'm Mike. I am 22 & from Australia. As the Title might suggests I am new to the world of Audio engineering... Please be Kind :D I'm also not 100% sure this is the right place to post lol. It does say newbie so I will stick it in here for the moment...lol

SO I am now looking for a System that I can make into a recording SetUp.

It was suggested i sign up here and start asking questions rather than just over at Whirlpool.net.au

I have a 2009 Macbook Pro 15" which I lug around with me everywhere so I have some experience with GB and Logic(not alot) and Mac's.

I am looking for Permanent Setup. So using my Current MBP isn't really on the cards.

I have a Roland LX-10 Digital Grand Piano that I like to hook up to My laptop every now and then but I am looking for a More permanent Solution. I am a singer so I am also looking for a Small mixing Board/Interface that I can Plug a Microphone into and Go straight into Pro Tools/Logic.

When I Say Mixing board it is only because I like the idea of a Physical board to play around with :D

I want to record piano and 1-3 tracks of vocals at the same time.. Eventually I will invest in some drum mic's for my kit

Probably won't want use more that 16 tracks while I'm learning the tricks to the trade :)

Any suggestions on Boards/Interfaces and Mic's for Vocals?

I am Primarily a Music Theatre performer (Lyric Baritone)..But also train Classically. I sing Lots of Jazz Standards and Big ballads along with some up tempo stuff but do Not have the most Contemporary of voices. a lot more on the Legit Side of things.

SO Far the only Mic to have been Suggested is the RODE NT2-A. Any other suggestions?

People have also Suggested the Apogee Duet 2, Focusrite Safire Pro 24 DSP and Pro 40 ( the 8 input one...i think)

I have a pair of Shure SR840's and Westone UM1 IEM's...planning on getting Westone 4's soon. Not sure if my room is suited to Monitors at this time. The room I have my stuff in is a large entertainment room with a 3m High alcove ceiling. One wall has acoustic plasterboard and insulation and there are 4 windows and a double window sliding door. I don't know how good that would be for monitors.

Interns of a Systems any suggestions as to the minimum specs i should really be considering. I have been Looking 2009-2010 Model 27" iMacs and Mac Pros from the Refurb Store and Second Hand (Pre-Loved as some might say...lol) to try and cut costs.

ATM Brand new I am looking at something like this in terms of an iMac;
27"
3.4GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7
16GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 4x4GB
1TB Serial ATA Drive
AMD Radeon HD 6970M 2GB GDDR5
Apple Magic Mouse + Magic Trackpad

AUD $3454 (less When Salary Sacrificed :D)

Max I'm looking to spend in this moment in time is AUD $5000

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

Many Thanks In advance!

Mike a.k.a Tyriall