I'd suggest saving up a little more and getting a 2 port usb pre and a Sure SM58 microphone.

There are plenty of cheap 2 port usb preamps out there. I have an Edirol UA-25 and it's as slick as pig sh... Yeah... I mean I like it.

Anyways, I suggest you buy it from an actual shop with some sort of returns policy because if you can't get it to work on your budget PC you may need to swap for a different make/model.

Of the gear you are looking at, I would only really consider the AT2020. (not the USB version) The others are... not so good.

Instead of getting a pre amp, I would recommend getting an audio interface that has a built in pre amp. USB microphones are very convenient, and the quality will be better than your headset, however I would recommend not using one.

The [="http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/MAudio-Fast-Track-Pro-Mobile-USB-Audio-MIDI-Interface?sku=241710"]M-Audio Fast Track Pro Mobile USB Audio/MIDI Interface[/]="http://pro-audio.mu…"]M-Audio Fast Track Pro Mobile USB Audio/MIDI Interface[/] and the [[url=http://="http://pro-audio.mu…"]MXL 3000 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone[/]="http://pro-audio.mu…"]MXL 3000 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone[/] Would pair well, and get you good results. You would also need an XLR cable, a microphone stand, and a pop screen.

I have the MXL3000. It's not Nuemenn or Rode of course, but it is great for the price.

If your room is not treated (and has a nasty slap back ring when you clap) then you may want to use a Sure SM58 instead of the MXL3000.

[edit]Looks like Greener and I posted at about the same time. Good thing we said about the same thing[/edit]

thanks alot guys..i think im gonna get that interface and the shure mic :)

ok i checked out the price in two websites which are based in Australia (which is where I am). they are selling M-Audio Fast Track Pro 4x4 Mobile USB Audio / MIDI Interface for $319 and thats too much for me. are there any cheaper usb interfaces for vocal recording? or are there any place in Aus where they sell it for cheaper? thanks

Where in Aust are you? Tazzy?

no im in sydney. i looked up this website called brava music. and they are selling m-audio fast track USB for $160 and M-audio Soundcheck for $80. so that comes to a good price for me. what do you reckon? and the mic comes with the cable n i guess i wont need to buy anything else

Not unless you get hooked.........

what do you mean?

I'm definitely hooked. A larger portion of my paycheck than I would care to admit goes into gear .

I haven't used any M-Audio microphones, so I can't really speak for them. Everything else I have from M-Audio is great, so I would be surprised if it is not a good value. If you can find a Sure SM57 or SM58 you will be using a microphone that many professionals swear by.

The fast track looks cool. Dunno about the mic though.
If you record some cool electric guitar, you may want to re-amp it if you can find someone with a cool amp. That mic may work. A 58 is a better bet though. I payed 130 for my 57, retail. That's under 300.

taz2008 wrote: what do you mean?

Unless you get hooked on gear then-

taz2008 wrote:
i guess i wont need to buy anything else

that won't be all you "Need".

while I have and use many other mic's and may never own one myself, I haved to admit that the AT2020 is good and decent mic that I would prefer over most of, if not all of, the same kind of mic's in it's price range.