"Christine" wrote in message
om...
Hi - I am a songwriter looking to equip a very small home studio with
sufficient equipment to record my ideas. I am not looking for
mass-distribution quality, but don't want it to sound muddy or muffled
like the results of some of the small porta-studios I've heard
(however, could have been the recording engineer who made it sound
that way).

I think you hit the nail on the head here. Those little things sound OK, and
it seems you are more interested in being a songwriter and saving some money
than you are in having a studio. I think you ought to give some of them
another chance.

The main thing you want to look at in terms of quality is the media the
device records to. Flash-card recorders generally compress the audio in
audible ways, but any device that uses a hard disk will sound better. If
your budget is tiny, though, the flash card recorder from fostex is usable
for 'non-production quality' audio work. It costs $300 and has eight tracks
and effects that sound fine if used modestly, for your application.

I basically would just like to have nice, clear recordings
for my own personal use.


That's more related to practice and skill than it is to equipment.

I am planning on using my PC for recording.

That can be a big can of worms.



2) Microphone - I would like a good quality vocal mic for less than
$100. Although if you give me a good one in the $100 - $200 range and
feel that it is worth the extra money for the corresponding increase
in quality, I may spring for it.


For vocals I'd suggest the MXL v67g, which may still be around for a hundred
bucks. Don't expect to use it exclusively. Pianos in particular sound much
better when mic'd in stereo.

You will also need at least one dynamic mic, especially if you are recording
in your bedroom or house. A sure 57 is the old standby, I pretty much like
the 'he' series from audio-technica right now.



3)If the above is a condenser mic, what kind of
pre-amp/power/equipment do I need in order to record vocals digitally?
Don't forget I am new to the whole digital domain.


You need phantom power.

4)Mixer - I am used to using a mixer with buttons and knobs, and think
I may prefer having an actual mixer as opposed to a virtual one - I
think there's that extra feeling of control. Someone mentioned a
Behringer combo mic pre-amp/mixer...any thoughts? Can I get something
decent under $100? $200?


No.

5)Monitors - something below $200.


Well, accurate costs. You can get something under 200 dollars and listen to
your results in as many systems as possible, then try to figure out how your
mixes should sound on your monitors to get the best results.

Get some cheapie monitors and some headphones. IMO, You will most likely be
happy IMO spending your 850 or so on a little portastudio, some monitors and
headphones, and three mics. Then spend some time getting a clear, strong
sound to the recorder and don't let yourself get frustated with the way you
sound at first.

jb