Reddit mentions of Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio (1st GENERATION) Audio Interface and Recording Bundle

What I would get in that range:
Reaper - $60.
Focusrite 2i2, Mic, Cable and headphones bundle - $240
then either a
Blue Spark - $170
or a pair of KRK Rokit monitors - $265
or an SM 57 - $92
and a cheaper set of monitors. - $135

So,
Reaper + Bundle + Spark = $470
Reaper + Bundle + KRK Rokit = $565
Reaper + Bundle + SM57 + Other monitors = $527.

Note that you don't need to buy reaper immediately, and can buy it later if you like it or switch to a more expensive DAW if you don't like it.

My monitor recommendations are very uninformed, but they're to give an idea of price range.

My suggestion that's pretty future-proof would be a focusrite scarlett 2i2 or similar interface, a mic stand, a pop filter and a large-diaphragm condenser mic.

So basically this bundle: https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Studio-GENERATION-Interface/dp/B00AW91CPG

or this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LLV04E?psc=1

Having the option to use two mics and to use different mics means that the entire set-up has room to grow.

Yup, they are the Focusrite HP60MKII. Got them with the Focusrite Scarlet Studio Bundle.

Actually had the headphones exchanged some weeks ago, they sent me a new one that normally ships with the 2nd gen studio bundle. That's why the interface as well as the mic are 1st gen but the headphones are 2nd gen

BTW I'm not sure if you've seen this, but check it out. First I noticed the samson headphones for $50 look identical, but open. Also, the focusrite package includes a rebranded version. Not sure if there are differences in those. http://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Studio-Interface-Recording/dp/B00AW91CPG/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1415404096&sr=8-7&keywords=focusrite

I have the Scarlett 2i2 and two AT2020s, totaling $350 in mics and interface. The 2i2 retails at $150, so you're only dropping $50 on the mics. This would get you up and recording for $200 flat, and then you can upgrade your mics later, without losing out too much money. If you're just getting started, this is not a bad way to go. However, I would recommend checking out some of the major audio hardware sales sites as there are other 'official' packages being sold at various price points.

There is the all Focusrite Scarlett bundle at $250 from Sweetwater and the same kit available from Musician's Friend as well as Amazon which includes headphones and a single large diaphragm cardioid mic, though I have heard nobody talk about FR's mics or cans, so look at the reviews to find out how well they perform.

Amazon also has several other packages (including the one in that ebay listing) which include various other mics, mostly entry level, but a few higher end options as well. Some other kits also provide mic stands, pop screens etc.

If you are willing to spend closer to $300 in one go, you can get a full studio setup, but if you are planning recording a solo vocalist with guitar accompaniment, then the package you listed is a good start and all you need to add is mic stands. The third option is what I did, and that is buying your interface, mics, stands, pop filters, etc. all separately but bundled from one etailer to take advantage of the free shipping. Most of these bundles are for convenience and don't offer much in the way of savings. Just do your research and buy a kit that will get you setup for the type of recording you want to do. In the end I opted to build my own package to give my studio the flexibility I wanted, though I had seriously considered these bundles first.

This would be a super convenient gift/starting point for him: https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Studio-GENERATION-Interface/dp/B00AW91CPG

Not a great mic, and I'm not sure how good the headphones are, but that bundle could get him started recording and experimenting right out of the box. Using Garageband or Audacity as a free DAW to work in, it's definitely a starting point. If he really gets the bug for this kind of stuff, he'll need coaching and better equipment. I feel like this is a pretty good investment for just trying things out and making it as easy as possible to just get audio into the computer.

If you're interested in just about any instrument other than the guitar there are lots of options out there in terms of sample libraries. Guitar (in my opinion) has the worst representation of virtual instruments (I think this sounds awful) and libraries out there because it's honestly pretty hard to capture all aspects of.

As mentioned earlier, if you do not have a DAW, you should get one. This is the piece of software that you will use to construct your songs, apply effects, mix, master and a lot of other functions. Reaper is the Winrar of the music world with an unlimited trial period so that would be a good place to start.

Within this DAW you'll be able to create music without knowing how to actually play any instruments using a MIDI input that can be done with a mouse and typing keyboard. From there you'll be able to google "free [insert instrument] VST" and you'll likely be able to find a free (albeit lesser quality) instrument that you'll be able to use to compose with legally (i.e. not pirated).

Example: Free Piano VST

From here forward you'll be able to create songs with pianos, strings, synths, beats, drums, brass, etc and then sing overtop. In order to capture your voice you will obviously need a microphone. You could go online and spend a little bit on a cheap USB microphone to get you started or spend a bit more on an audio interface and a nicer microphone.

There's a lot to learn but the feeling of making your own music entirely by yourself is awesome. PM if you have any questions.

Good luck!

You can go for something like this or this, i think both might be great for beginners (focusrite is probably a better interface but presonus comes with studio one which is a great DAW)

EDIT: focusrite came out with a 2nd gen of that interface/bundle

That was the intention of my post, I want to get away from the USB mics and want some proper voice capturing equipment, That makes the closest possible to a bassy and bright radio voice.

What do you think of this bundle?: http://www.amazon.co.uk/FOCUSRITE-SCARLETT-STUDIO-studio-packs/dp/B00AW91CPG/ref=sr_1_2?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1382805327&sr=1-2&keywords=Focusrite+2i2

If you have a computer, you have a multitrack recorder. There are a lot of cheap options. If you have a Mac, I guess you already have Garageband. If you use Windows, you can get Reaper.

For sure you need a mic. You probably want to get some sort of "interface", and people will likely recommend a cheap Focusrite unit. That shitty keyboard can likely be used as a MIDI controller.

The other option that has been floated around here is getting a handheld multitrack recorder

Thanks, sorry to keep on bothering you :P

... I just realised recently though that for the price of either a Zoom or an Apogee MiC I could get a starter kit like this or something.

They don't have particularly great audio interfaces in terms of number of inputs, but it's just got me thinking.

Also, this is all so complicated for someone trying to get into it, there's so much choice :<

Well if you like the sound all I use is a rockband mic for vocals, guitar running through a Digitech Black-13 peddle that goes straight to my PC with a guitar to USB. lol About as cheap as you can get. I would personally rather mic a good amp to get feedback and use an nice interface for everything but,I don't have on available at the moment. So you can get by with the cheapest stuff possible but, Id say pick up a recording interface and some mics. You can get bundles pretty cheap. Something like this to start out maybe.

Hey has anyone bought the focusrite scarlett 2i2 package?

http://www.amazon.ca/Focusrite-Scarlett-Studio-Interface-Recording/dp/B00AW91CPG/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1397058305&sr=8-2-fkmr0&keywords=focusrite+scarlett+2i2

I've heard good things about their audio interface but are there headphones good for mixing?

The equipment you get there will probably be about as good as you can get for that price. But you may wanna shell out a bit more for the big jump in quality. I started out on a Steinberg UR22, ATH-M50 and AT-2020 and all three pieces still serve me well hundreds of dollars later. The ATH-M40 can do the same job for cheaper in terms of headphones, too.

I'd say if you're planning on getting a nicer mic/headphones in the future, don't spend your money on the bundle unless your budget is really tight, because you may not find the headphones/mic very useful later on. If you just want to get recording and your budget is restrictive, go for it.

EDIT: correct me if I'm wrong but I think this bundle has better equipment for cheaper