but i don't know what to buy.

i'm really a technidiot and wouldn't know what to look for -- it's to be used for recording.

some parameters:

i'll be recording through a computer.

ideally, i'd have a versatile mic that i could both sing into and play guitar into -- but i'm willing to get one directional and one omnidirectional mic if feasible

i'm willing to buy whatever necessary accessories for it -- mounts, condensers, whatever.

but i don't want to pay more than $200. i'm happy buying used or slightly used, but if new is the way to go...

Are you going directly into the computer via the line-in and mic inputs?

Shure SM 57/58s are very dependable, reasonably priced mics. I primarily use the SM58 with my pc right now (going into a mixing console/compression chain before the pc).

probably, yes. it won't be going through a mix board, for damn sure

am I the only one who didn't know that Katie's a musician?

Yeah, dragging a mixing board around isn't much fun.

There are lots of options for converting the XLR/1/4 in. outputs to the 1/8 inputs, as well as a many (small) boxes that act as a analog-digital converters with USB outs.

Whenever I get my laptop, I plan to use something like this for recording:

http://209.132.209.146/products/en_us/F ... cus-1.html

another vote for an SM58.

Also, if you want to get both a 57 & a 58 (or a similar combo), I'd encourage you to look for stuff on craigslist and the like - they're pretty sturdy mics and I see them being sold for reduced prices all the time around our rehearsal complex. You'd def. be able to afford both for under $200.

Yep, the shures are the easy answer for a reason. Those have been the default mic-for-all-occasions for like 25 years. But they're only like half your budget.

For $149, you could get this combo:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=rec/search/detail/base_pid/270455/

...which is a large-diaphram condenser (good for vocals, electric guitar, etc) AND a small-diaphram condenser, which sounds VERY good on acoustic guitars. The Shures will sound just fine all around, but these will sound better. Add a cheap mic stand and a good cable, and you're set.

You are not alone.
I am here with you.

i'm a person who is attempting to make listenable music.

can we at least street team for you?

depends. what do you feel about adult diapers? GET IT

SORRY, THAT WASN'T FUNNY

Nothing makes me wanna try to make music more than the current state of fucking "popular" music. I still don't, but it makes me want to. Need a pedal steel player?

yes, actually.

I still don't get it.

I require airfare, a couch, and about a case of highlife. COLD.

depends are a brand of adult diaper. apropos of nothing.

i have no money for airfare, but i do have some warm bazooka joe in my pocket.

Warm bazooka joe only gets you a track of me humming, or possibly a track of me wishing aloud that I had some highlife.

oh I see. that wasn't funny. But I laughed nonetheless.

if you had three minutes, could you talk about wanting a high life that entire time? you can repeat yourself and everything, but could you? i need a track of that, too.

you are a gentleman and a scholar.

I thought you said "listenable."

HEY HAVE YOU HEARD THE NEW PERINCESS ALBUM? OMG SHE'S THE GREATEST THING TO HIT MUSIC SINCE JOHN LENNON WAS SHOT! SOUNDS LIKE A MIX BETWEEN BRITNEY AND YO LA TENGO AND LOVES THE HIGH LIFE! ALL MY FRIENDS AND I ARE GONNA CHECK OUT HER SHOW THIS WEEKEND HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!