Can there be TOO much tube? If I use a tube mic, am I better off using a channel strip pre, rather than a tube pre?

Sorry for a newbie question.

I am considering getting a new sound card, the new creative X-Fi. Under the specification page, it states "Shared line-level analog Line/Microphone input via 6.35 mm (1/4-inch) stereo jack".

Alright, I bought a really cheap mic off Radioshack ($20 dynamic). And I also have Cool Edit Pro/Adobe Audition, and an adapter to hook up my mic to the line-in socket of my computer. So I thought I was all set. Well, I can record and everything, but when I hear my vocals through the speakers, it's only coming out of ONE speaker.

Here's my dilemma...

I run a home based studio and I currently have access to two AT 4040 mic's. They're decent mics that work well for a lot of the stereo pairing that I use them for. However, they aren't mine (they belong to a drummer friend) and could be picked up and gone at anytime. So I'd be left without any large diaphragm mic's if they were gone.

what would help even the dynamics of a drum track? In other words, what keep the track sounding even volume-wise.. The problem is, my drummer sort has a tendancy to get extremely loud on some parts of songs we play and really quite on others and I want it to sound more uniform.

I know there has been a lot of these threads but I must hear this for myself. I'm looking for a pair of small/large diaphragm condeners mics used for Micing drums/acoustic guitar. I have been looking out for the MXL 603 pairs along with a pair of SP B1. Any other suggestions so I can make a purchase soon.

Okay this is gonna be kind long but I will try to set it up so its easy to use and respond to. My question is what microphones do y'all like to use. I understand that you should use try all you mics especially on vox but still there is a starting point for everyone setting up say drums.

Hey everyone, I'm trying to see what would be the best type of mic to use to amplify my voice while I'm playing online games. I'm going to be wearing wireless headphones and turning off my pc speakers so I'm just looking for an above average mic to mount on a small die cast stand on my desktop.

Any input is greatly appreciated, Thanks, StratMan23

(All prices reffered to are street prices)

Hey, I'm just starting out and have a 3 part question:

I have an M-Audio O-Zone and am not too thrilled with it anymore :( ; no master volume, no endless knobs, weak pre-amp. I want to start recording vocals and electric guitar and wouldn't trust the built-in preamp. So:

Decisions, decisions.

Time to make a qualitative leap. Split between a U87 or a couple of cheaper but good mics:

perhaps the bright, but in an excellent way SP B3, the TLM 103 and the RODE NTK, for times when deliberate colour is required, though it seems to sound great on a few sources but terrible on many.