So I'm brand new to recording and I don't have much recording stuff yet. Since I'm the kind of person who likes to know what they're going to do in advance I've spent several hours yesterday researching my options. That plus I'd like to make the switch to free software for reasons of price and ideology. And I'm getting a new (or used) computer with recording in mind.

I already have an original 01V with 8 channel ADAT out.

We need to record some live tracks from our shows... I was shown the MOTU 8Pre at a local music store and I'm considering buying it.

From what I understand, I can use the 8 channels of ADAT and add a few more channels via the analog pre's, and grab the tracks via firewire in Audacity or some other program.

First, I am a complete newbie as far as recording. I just want something extremly cheap to play around with. I am a hobbiest musician, and just want something to make a record to hand out to friends. I don't need anything incredible, just a mixer and a mic or two, and the some kind of recording software.

Which large diaphragm condenser microphone has better bang for the buck?

MXL 990 or the AT2020

Thanks!

I have a band, and i would like to record a couple of our songs, at home.

What I'm working with:

Software:
-Sonar 8 PE
-Pro Tools 7.4
-Anything Software wise i can get if needed.

I honestly have one of the worst acoustic environments you could have in my room...10 guitars hanging on a single wall. There's a futon, curtains and such, but nothing that really reduces flutter and echo. Terribly for trying to record trumpet, loud guitar, really, anything.

What I am looking for is a method to get decent quality input on voip chats such at ventrillo etc, and have some cheap reverb/chorus effects. The hardware I can make use of for this is a Shure 57, Xfi Xtreme music pci card. Everything else I would like to be able to purchase from a guitar center.

I recently received some field recordings done with some sort of Sony digital 'walkman' style recorder. They sound FANTASTIC.

Im looking to buy a cheap audio interface for recording vocals I'm looking for the best one i can get for cheap and i found this one http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Digidesign-Pro-Tools-Mbox-Mini-Package?sku=702525 i know its a package but what do you guys think good deal?

I'm looking into purchasing some and they can be obscenely expensive.
but I figure I should make it sound good on the cheap stuff and then it will sound good on everything.

so what do you think about the $150 monitors?