tk7261 wrote: im trying not to go for a firebox because there's just not enough gain.

Just what are you recording that needs that much gain?

i was just talking about the infamous cheap dynamic mic with cheap interface = low output level dilemma.

Fair enough. What mic are you using? What are you recording into? Software?

tk7261 wrote: i was just talking about the infamous cheap dynamic mic with cheap interface = low output level dilemma.

Where did you get this idea? While it's true that poor preamps and poor mics can result in poor output, not all cheap solutions are as bad as you think. The bottom line really is that the user controls the output. You can make reasonable recordings with crap gear. You just need to apply the basic concepts of mic placement, gain staging and signal flow.

On the topic, what is your budget and as Guitarfreak asked, what gear do you already own if any?

The famous SM57 or SM58 is what I consider inexpensive but it is definitely not cheap.

well as for my budget i would like to keep the interface $300 or below, but i might be able to go a little higher. my software is logic pro 8 on an imac, and my main mics are a studio project b1 and sm 57. the 57 is what im worried about. i hear that they tend to not agree with the firebox (is this true?), which is what i was referring to in my second post. i would love to go firebox if it can handle a 57, as using 57s are essential. i know that the firebox's voltage rails were lowered, so it couldn't use a gain guzzler like a sm58 right?
ps. dont get my wrong some of my favorite guitar sounds i have gotten with some "cheap equipment" but the point is i dont want the equipment to sound cheap (for instance my studio project b1 ^_^)

The 57 and the 58 are electrically the same. You are still on about there not being enough gain. You aren't recording a woodwind quintet from 30' so you should be fine. I would be mighty surprised if you weren't anyway.

Dude, I use an SM57 AND an SM58 WITH a FireBox. And I don't have any problems with gain. I record at about -8dB and never need to crank the preamps to full throttle. Don't generalize about things you don't know about.

The only reason I went along with your story at first was because I half expected you to be using Behringer or Radio Shack mic. But an SM57 will give you great sound.

And a $100 condenser is a cheap mic even if it works for your application at the moment. The only cheap condensers I'm willing to give in a little on are the NT5/NT55's.

sorry man i didnt mean to generalize.maybe im just being paranoid since its going to be my own money. ive heard all kinds of reviews ranging from this suck! all the way to THIS IS AMAZING! so you think ill be ok with a firebox?

If you are worried then buy it from a reputable company that takes returns. Stick with a standard like the Presonus or the Onyx or the MOTU and plan for future expansion even if you have to wait and save a little more. Don't let desire burn a hole in your money pocket. Even step up gear should have a minimum threshold if at all possible.

Or better yet, go to a store and try them before you buy. Start with the PreSonus FireBox, Onyx XXX and MOTU XXX. I don't know comparable models. But I wish someone would tell me so I could recommend them to people.

A/B/C them, record a simple vocal track with each using the same mic and see how they sound. See what kind of frequency response and tone you get out of them. Then and only then look at the price tag and guage how each fits into your budget.

thanks for the info guys. its much appreciated ^_^ ill have to go compare them.

The firebox and FP10 (Firepod) are fantastic entry level points. The ONYX is a great natural progression, but maybe not the best place to start paying your dues.