Need Help--Just getting started

[weezy504]

Yo, I am new to this. I have recorded songs but using friends' equipment. basically i want to purchase the necessary tools to make my own songs. All i am interested in doing at this point is being able to take instrumentals off the internet and sing over them and record. no instruments involved. so, besides a microphone, what hardware/software do i need?

[brandondrury]

I'd snag a Presonus Inspire here, a Audio Technica AT2020 here, and some studio monitors.

What is your total budget?

Here's a package that includes everything you would need.
Buy PreSonus FIREBOX Recording Bundle online at Musician's Friend

Either of these include Cubase LE, which is my recommended software for beginners.
Brandon

[weezy504]

do i really need all those speakers and whatnot? i am using cool edit pro 2.0 and just want to be able to record vocals and have them sound decent over instrumental mp3's. nothing too serious. it is really just something my buddies and i are doing for fun. will a computer mic work. it i purchase a nicer mic, can i get away with just getting the mic and interface? or do i need to upgrade my soundcard? how does that work? i have a macbook.

[brandondrury]

do i really need all those speakers and whatnot?

Studio monitors are there to help you make mixes that sound good in the outside world.

will a computer mic work.

Maybe. That's up for you to decide. I wouldn't be happy with it, but I'm "serious".

it i purchase a nicer mic, can i get away with just getting the mic and interface?

Yeah, in the most simple of setups a mic, an audio interface with a preamp will do you. Something like this would work: Buy M-Audio Fast Track USB Computer Recording Interface at Musician's Friend

However, I wouldn't get that one because of a lack of phantom power (for a condenser).

Brandon