do you produce, or do you just record your vocals?

if you just record your vocals...

get a MXL 990 mic, MSRP $70 USD, you can get them around $59 ... this is THE best mic for the money. it compares to $1000 mics, and it is only a small fraction of the cost.

as far as mixers go a Behringer UB802 isn't too bad. you can pick one up for $60 USD.

and then for soundcards...m-audio has some descent stuff for the price. can be had for $100 USD.

that all comes out to $220 USD. Well under the $500 you have to spend. Once you throw in shipping you should be able to spend under $300 USD and have that last $200 to save for future additions.

You may want to purchase a mic stand and pop filter too. I did not include those.

You will be more than happy with this setup. i have heard this exact setup and i must say it blows away just about everything i have heard from netcees to date. even people with $100+ mics and fancy mancy setups.

read reviews on what i have posted above. you will find out they are all very good products for relatively cheap prices. especially the mic.

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dren a.k.a. dren rapes u