I'd second the SM57. These microphones are the granddaddy of dynamic mics. I adore mine, they're not that expensive (for a microphone - $70), and they're super-durable.

Get the right cable (extra $10), and you can stick it direct into your soundcard. Boom, you got decent quality recording.

Following up on Colin's point, singing along to what you've already recorded MAY be difficult whatever microphone you've got. I would say that USB mics add an extra potential problem, depending on the software.

Latency can be an issue when overdubbing (I suffered with it for ages before I got me a Firepod - it really ain't pretty) - it doesn't matter so much when you're just speaking, but when timing becomes important, then it becomes a problem.

With a regular mic, the only potential problem is going to be the soundcard (which could well be fixed with finding better drivers). With the USB mic, you're going to have the soundcard AND any latency that the USB mic or it's driver software cause.

Nothing like a forum to make even the simplest question super-complicated, right? smile

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