Setting up a sound chain for the first time.

[Greg Houser]

Understanding that you're just trying to work out (I saw this but was just answering questions as presented)
it might be best not to worry about getting all the hot equipment right now. Just get something that will get
you up and working. For this purpose the M-Audio FastTrack Pro is just fine. This way you can focus on
investing on classes and in the meantime you can save up for some nice equipment later down the road.

Probably the best answer in the thread so far. Additionally, you can keep utilizing the FastTrack Pro (or a similar device such as the MicPort Pro) as part of a "VO2Go" kit as you progress in your skills.

Take the saved $ and dedicate it towards more critical items on your list (which at this point would be training AND improving the recording space). It's easier to get a good sound out of a USB interface in a good recording environment with a talented actor than it is to do in a poor recording environment with a talent who isn't up to snuff (i.e., it isn't about the gear).

[swdstmkr]

Well said all (of course),

I was thinking that the FastTrack Pro did seem like it would be good for portable use also. I appreciate all of the sound advice you have shared. Perhaps now is just the time to get the M-Audio and keep practicing with it for a while (and maybe Santa will be extra nice this year-or maybe I could sell that radial arm saw collecting dust in the garage) . Whoa sorry. Man, they're strict around here. j/k.

Of course, if I win that Echo AudioFire2 in the ebay auction that ends in 4 days, then I'm not sure what I'll do. Somebody go out-bid me!

Anyway, none of y'all have said much about buying from Guitar Center vs. online, so I'm guessing that it is about all of the same.

Thanks again for all of the help! You've inspired me to use my "extra" money and go take another round of improv classes (oh won't the wife be so very pleased!)

[Mike Sommer]

As I mention in our PM's, if you get the ECHO, no fear. What you'll have is a really good interface that you can always add
more great gear to it ( and the ECHO is very portable too).

Then you can get an inexpensive preamp like an ART Tube MP for around $30 or so (about the cost of a good mic cable)
and you're good to go.