Reddit mentions of Rode NT2A Anniversary Vocal Multi-Pattern Dual Condenser Microphone Package

Sure!

My gear is easily affordable (except a few choice pieces being the studio monitors and the PC itself).

I use a Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 - Which is overkill for recording, but I have other projects that involve a lot more inputs. The Focusrite Scarlett is more than adequate for this kind of work.

For my Mic, I use a [Rode NT2A] (http://www.amazon.co.uk/R%C3%98DE-NT2AANNIV-NT2A-STUDIO-PACK/dp/B004L06ZCM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1415053266&sr=8-2&keywords=) for the bulk of the recording, I have a few smaller Clip on mics for some more sensitive recording.

For my electronic audio samples, I use a [Alesis QX61] (http://www.amazon.co.uk/ALESIS-QX61-Master-keyboards-Keys/dp/B006Z6VIZO/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1415053433&sr=8-7&keywords=Alesis+Q) which for this kind of work is not necessary at all.

As for Software, this can get a little expensive but I've built this up over the years, I use Ableton Live 9 and a list of plugins to extensive to name, but 90% of the recorded samples have been edited very little, and if they have, the default suite plugins are more than adequate (EQ, Reverb etc).

I only really have to dig into specialist plugins when looking to create a certain effect - such as space, etc.

It really depends on how much you want to spend and what you're planning to do with your setup.

I personally use a Rode NT2-A with a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface (or you could get the Solo and save 50 bucks, but I needed two input ports) and I am pretty satisfied with my setup - I've been using both of them for a whole bunch of paid audiobooks I've done over the years, so they've paid for themselves many times over.

I started out with a Blue Yeti myself, but I decided to change it as soon as I started getting more work. It's not a bad mic, but it's not stellar. When it comes to cheaper USB mics though I'd recommend the Rode NT-USB - my NT2-A broke down over the summer and I was supposed to be recording an audiobook, so I needed a decent replacement until my main mic got repaired. It's slightly more expensive than a Blue Yeti (goes for around $170, while the Yeti is around $100), but I think it's a better quality mic. I still keep my NT-USB at home to use for smaller work that doesn't require going to the studio.

My budget recommendation for this would be a condenser mic such as the Behringer C3. I did a short video for some audio solutions, and gave a short demo of the C3 in this video.

Other good mics:

Shure SM27

Rode NT2A

Audio Technica AT2020

EDIT: Formatting

the NT1 is great, but the NT2A has polarity pattern, low cut, and pad switches on it, and is still under $500. ($399)

http://www.amazon.com/Rode-Anniversary-Condenser-Microphone-Package/dp/B004L06ZCM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373384903&sr=8-1&keywords=NT2a

Thank you! I'm leaning towards the Kit. Looks like a safe bet... but I'm now also looking at the NT2-A - again, the advantages/differences aren't clear to me. Have you any thoughts on that one? https://www.amazon.co.uk/R%C3%98DE-NT2AANNIV-NT2A-STUDIO-PACK/dp/B004L06ZCM/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1502008741&sr=1-1&keywords=rode+nt2

Thanks again