mic preamp compressor eq

since i am impatient.. i ordered an ART pro channel and i might replace the tubes with something fancier.

i think the ART pro channels are supposed to be pretty good for the price range actually.

i've also heard the Joe Meek ThreeQ is pretty decent on the lower price range as well.

also in terms of mics, if you aren't looking to get a condenser mic for what you're doing, at least consider swapping and getting a sennheiser e835, they kick the shit out of the SM series in terms of clarity (imo).

haha, that's like asking a bot on here what a good synth is.

well, like anything else price always factors in on mics, but for me, i've had a Audio Technica AT4040 for years and i love it, it sits more on the dark side in terms of tone which i like. recently i also bought a matched pair of Karma K-micro silver bullets. they are pencil condensers used usually for cymbals/overhead/acoustic guitars etc, but it worked great as a vocal mic too though WAY on the bright side, tho nothing a eq couldn't fix.

and, also in a lower price range but excellent build is a Rode NT1A. i don't own one but i've used one plenty of times and they are fantastic mics for the price. I think all of those come in under $300 in the US. 

also, Cascade makes a really cool mic called a Fat Head. i haven't used this one, but friends of mine have them and use them every time they record a band and they also get great reviews and are very affordable.

hope that helps!