$250 budget.

[Chrit.]

I'm looking to start fucking around with recording again.

Whats the best setup I could do on $250.
(obviously I know its not going to be great... but I dont wanna waste $700 like I did last time on some shit I used 10 times then sold)

[Keeby Swaggz]

I would recommend the Audio Technica AT2020 and either the M-Audio Firewire Solo or Firewire 410, which ever one you could get a better deal on off eBay...

next step down, what I use, is a CAD GXL2400 and a Presonus Inspire interface... the good thing is the mic came with a stand, 25' cable, shockmount, and pop filter for $110... and the sound really ain't bad...

but I would highly recommend a condenser mic and an interface, don't waste money and time fuckin' with a USB mic and a stock soundcard...

right now on eBay are several decent deals on M-Audio interfaces... there is also an Emu 1820, that is an excellent interface, and it's got zero bids sittin' at $125 with 7 hours left... that's a real nice price, if you can get that box under $200...

the AT2020 is probably the best $80-150 mic...

[.Bullet.]

what are you going for, like a general look for a comp, like just a usb mic? or you want a prea/ or interface and mic?

[Keeby Swaggz]

if you've got $250 to spend, there's no reason at all to settle for a USB mic... then again, if you've got $250 already you could sit tight for another $50 and get a little bit better mic yet...

[Chrit.]

I'll pry buy the interface first and just scour ebay for a decent mic.

*misses my mbox and Rode NT1A*

[Chrit.]

My only issue... is that I'll want to run it off a laptop due to traveling alot...

so the 1812 wont work...
there is a 1616 on there... how is it?

any other suggestions?

[Paze]

Im so fucking lucky that I got a M-Audio 410 for $140. Id say go for that if its its under $200 used - its actually better that the M-Box and that just isnt opnion... I tested them and its got better pres. and more I & Os
If you got 1 of them for $200 Id recommend getting a Rode mic again. The NT1-A is only another $200 or less.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Rode-NT1-A-Studi...QQcmdZViewItem
Theres 1 with 2hours to go and its only $120 atm
http://cgi.ebay.com/Rode-NT1-A-Studi...QQcmdZViewItem
Theres a new 1 for only $185

Id recommend getting the Rode and if you want to stick to under $300 then get this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/M-Audio-Fast-Tra...QQcmdZViewItem
Its pretty shitty compared to other M-Audio stuff but it does the job and when I used it it didnt sound bad. Theyre like $100 new

[Paze]

That interface actually doesnt have phantom power... dayum lol

[Keeby Swaggz]

pretty similar, quality-wise... look at the M-Audio ones, they ain't bad, assuming you have a firewire card of course...

[Paze]

Well he used to have an MBox...

[Chrit.]

This laptop doesn't have a firewire port... but I'll just buy card if needed...

[Paze]

Youll probably need it and its only $5 for 3 ports

[Chrit.]

http://cgi.ebay.com/M-Audio-FIREWIRE...2em118Q2el1247

good deal?

[Keeby Swaggz]

kinda... you can find 'em a bit cheaper... don't be afraid of good used gear either, most of the time sellers have just upgraded their own shit... if they claim it works perfect, it has to, or eBay has consequences... my Inspire was used, and it WAS workin' like a fuckin' charm... except I think I got a loose connection internally on one of the preamps... anyway...

[Chrit.]

bid on this one: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=320278782867