I am interested in flattering the human voice with some recording equipment.
Possibilities include a "tube mic" with a "vintage romantic sound", a tube
preamp, or a Behringer Ultravoice Digital VX2496,
http://www.behringer.com/VX2496/index.cfm?lang=ENG, which is alleged to do
what the first two alternatives do, and would give me two extra channels. It
also does a lot of worrisome things. A simple tube in the recording chain
limits the damage.

I'm soliciting recommendations, for vocal use, in the area of inexpensive
1. tube mics
2. tube preamps
3. processor?
4. Pros and cons of the above three approaches