Developing Audiophile Wondering Where to Go

[Tarkovsky]

Everybody's giving completely different advice, which is very confusing.

Second hand kit is a good idea, for something which is likely to be bashed to bits. If the OP really wants to get the hang of something properly, simple, new, unused kit is better. Speakers are the only thing which sound better with time, and in terms of sound per pound, the B&Ws are going to give better sound than anything even second hand (believe me, they're incredible for the price).

There's no nice way to phrase this but you have no idea what you're talking about. Most people who buy hi-quality hi-fi gear that's suitable for monitoring will do their best to preserve it, furthermore if the build quality is there a lot of it will outlast cheaper modern offerings. Secondly burn in is a hotly contested area, but it's fact that transistors and other component's properties change as they are used. Cable and speaker burn in is much less provable. On the subject of the B&Ws, I seriousely doubt they are going to beat anything from the kef reference series, a lot of which was developed for the studio and sold at prices ranging into the thousands (£s) and now available for a quarter of the price. However I can hardly claim that they would be any better than something I've never heard.


Anyway back to the op. Sounds like to me you should get a mic (I'd go for an sm-57, a classic mic, a total workhouse and very durable) and an interface and not worry too much about the quality of your monitors for now. If you can already play keys and you are interested in music I'd get a microkorg or something similar. IMO Learning to play guitar is a must for any 14 year old (I learned about then). Get yourself a squire strat or something cheapish to start with and watch the opposite sex line up. No really...

 

[tremendous]

Re tremendous: I'm sort of trying to figure that out. I have an interest in sound engineering; I want to know what I can do with it, and what kind of gear is necessary to do it.

A couple scenarios I have come up with so far:

• Compose/create ambient/electronic music or drum beats: I would need synths, a DAW, and a keyboard or other hardware MIDI controller.

• Work for a student band: I would want to record (electric) guitars and vocals at reasonable quality, and would probably want a portable setup for concerts/performances. (We're 12-14 year olds, so in this case super-quality isn't everything.)

• Learn guitar and (eventually) record guitar/voice solos, or meet up with other people with the same sort of interest.

• Get a seriously cool hi-fi or headphone setup: headphones or loudspeakers, and amp, and a source (probably my MBP or iPod).

#1 - #3 would probably mean I'd have to get #4 .

So this sort of thing. Anything I missed? And would equipment would you recommend for each scenario? (Ideally both a cheaper and a higher-quality option.)

you'd be way better off seeing if you can get some time watching/helping at a local studio or venue or something. your ideas seem kind of aimless and unfocused. maybe you'll learn guitar? or you'll get a 'cool' hi-fi?

i don't know kid, seems like you have a fleeting interest and feel the need to throw money at it. try reading some books, and observing. you'll get way more out of it, i promise you.

 

[Sesshi]

Yeah. Or go with a basic noodling setup as I suggested and see if it catches your fancy. Garageband + basic hardware is more than enough to see if you 'have it' or not as a musician, especially as you can just jack a guitar straight in.

As for hi-fi, mini systems with integrated iPod docks are pretty nice. Denon do some of the better ones. Or buy some nice amps and speakers used and stick a Squeezebox / Duet on it.

And as for headphone amps and the like for the iPod, forget it - if you want a more rounded sound, get a Creative or Sony. And if you're attaching something to a Macbook Pro to allow you to listen at better quality, for your uses it's probably best to buy a pro soundcard with a headphone jack.

 

[tremendous]

Yeah. Or go with a basic noodling setup as I suggested and see if it catches your fancy. Garageband + basic hardware is more than enough to see if you 'have it' or not as a musician, especially as you can just jack a guitar straight in.

good idea - you've got garageband with a mac, and a cheap interface can be like $100. just practice recording with that if you really feel the need. you need to be wary of categorising yourself as an 'audiophile' because it doesn't really mean anything. you know, i like things to sound good too - i just don't spend $$$$$ on stuff and use that as an excuse.

it's a basic book, but audio demystified taught me a lot - learn the basics of why and how things work. maybe read sound on sound magazine. listen to music and see how it is put together. there are acres of resources on the internet about sound and music and how studios work and how classic tracks were recorded. read, read some more.

this reminds me of something a friend said - how is it that the guys with the $15000+ hi-fi's always seem to listen to Phil Collins?

 

[Sesshi]

how is it that the guys with the $15000+ hi-fi's always seem to listen to Phil Collins?

I don't. Well, not that often.

And besides, it could just be that they are all old farts.

 

[superuser2]

Okay: I really, really enjoyed running the auditorium sound board for our school variety show and choir concerts. I absolutely loved it, had the time of my life. I want to do something like that on my own or outside of our once-a-year venue.

I got my UE 5's, and I love them too. Listen to them all the time. Other headphones sound cheap and awful in comparison.

Based my love of these two things, I want to know where I can go with, I suppose the better term would, be "sound enginnering".

That book looks AWESOME. I will very likely get my hands on it in the near future. That's exactly what I'm looking for. Anything else along those lines?

 

[tremendous]

Okay: I really, really enjoyed running the auditorium sound board for our school variety show and choir concerts. I absolutely loved it, had the time of my life. I want to do something like that on my own or outside of our once-a-year venue.

I got my UE 5's, and I love them too. Listen to them all the time. Other headphones sound cheap and awful in comparison.

Based my love of these two things, I want to know where I can go with, I suppose the better term would, be "sound enginnering".

That book looks AWESOME. I will very likely get my hands on it in the near future. That's exactly what I'm looking for. Anything else along those lines?

if you're interested in anything to do with computers and music the computer music tutorial by curtis roads is amazing. it's a big big book, but it gives a through grounding in all elements of digital audio. really can't recommend it enough. it's not a 'how do i record a track in logic' it's about the foundations and fundamentals of digital audio.

believe me, reading and studying the basics is a way way way better approach than diving in and spending $$$$ right away.

 

[Killyp]

There's no nice way to phrase this but you have no idea what you're talking about. Most people who buy hi-quality hi-fi gear that's suitable for monitoring will do their best to preserve it, furthermore if the build quality is there a lot of it will outlast cheaper modern offerings. Secondly burn in is a hotly contested area, but it's fact that transistors and other component's properties change as they are used. Cable and speaker burn in is much less provable. On the subject of the B&Ws, I seriousely doubt they are going to beat anything from the kef reference series, a lot of which was developed for the studio and sold at prices ranging into the thousands (£s) and now available for a quarter of the price. However I can hardly claim that they would be any better than something I've never heard.

Burn in is a hotly contested area, although I don't know how you can say it's more debatable whether speakers and cables are affected by running in than amplifiers, but to my ears, speakers take much more running in than amps. Of the 3 'stereo' amplifiers I've bought new, and the several pairs of hifi speakers/monitors I've bought new, the speakers have generally needed between 30 and 100 hours running in before they begin to sound vaguely likeable. If there is any difference audible in cable burn in, it will take the amount of time for the electrons in the conductor to travel at whatever drift velocity the DC offset of the amplifier produces (all amplifiers have a very very slight DC offset of some sort) down the complete length of the cable. Every double-blind test so far has shown that even the most die-hard audiophiles cannot tell the difference between mediocre quality mains cable and 'the best of the best' speaker cables.

As far as the Kef reference goes, I have never been impressed. My dad used to own a pair of Kef speakers which were nothing special, and I've never really heard much from them which sounded particularly amazing. Sure the B&W 680 series would have issues outperforming a pair of top-of-the-range Kefs, but I don't think the OP wants a large pair of difficult-to-drive floorstanding speakers (which will need a lot of space to breathe properly). A small, compact pair of B&Ws would do the job perfectly.

A pair of battered LS3/5As could be picked up for the price, although the OP specifically asked for a 'hifi' system, and the LS3/5As are not exactly very 'hifi' (like most other professional monitor speakers).

Anyway back to the op. Sounds like to me you should get a mic (I'd go for an sm-57, a classic mic, a total workhouse and very durable) and an interface and not worry too much about the quality of your monitors for now. If you can already play keys and you are interested in music I'd get a microkorg or something similar. IMO Learning to play guitar is a must for any 14 year old (I learned about then). Get yourself a squire strat or something cheapish to start with and watch the opposite sex line up. No really...

Microkorg is a bad move, very user unfriendly as there are no hands-on controls. Not exactly built very well either and they aren't very durable (believe me, I've been borrowing one off a friend on and off for a few months now). A much better move would be to see if you can get hold of 'a copy' of Propellerhead Reason, which is a great way of learning about basic synthesis and also some of the different techniques and effects/processing used in recording.

The SM57 is a great microphone though - fully recommended. I've started using them almost exclusively over SM58s as they're more predictable when it comes to how they respond at different proximities to vocalists/other instruments. However, if the OP is going to be doing live stuff (which is a more difficult field to get into), then the SM58 would be a better choice due to the design of the head (the SM58 has an integral 'pop shield', whilst the Sm57 does not).

As far as interfaces goes, I again, cannot recommend the Alesis Multimix Firewire series any more. Going other routes with multiple inputs requires mixing desks with multiple sub outputs (which usually come at a much higher price than say, the Multimixes).

The Multimix is great for a studio environment when you can't afford something really really special, and is great for live use too (mix on it, and multitrack record at the same time, without having to worry about how the mix is going to sound afterwards).

 

[Tarkovsky]

Burn in on speakers tends to be ascribed as more perceptual, though I've heard it claimed that drivers have to be broken in, which wouldn't take more than a few hours of playback.

As far as the Kef reference goes, I have never been impressed. My dad used to own a pair of Kef speakers which were nothing special, and I've never really heard much from them which sounded particularly amazing. Sure the B&W 680 series would have issues outperforming a pair of top-of-the-range Kefs, but I don't think the OP wants a large pair of difficult-to-drive floorstanding speakers (which will need a lot of space to breathe properly). A small, compact pair of B&Ws would do the job perfectly.

Kef reference 102s can be had for £160, they stand at about a foot tall, half that in width and 2/3rds a foot in depth.

Microkorg is a bad move, very user unfriendly as there are no hands-on controls. Not exactly built very well either and they aren't very durable (believe me, I've been borrowing one off a friend on and off for a few months now). A much better move would be to see if you can get hold of 'a copy' of Propellerhead Reason, which is a great way of learning about basic synthesis and also some of the different techniques and effects/processing used in recording.

I own a microkorg, and if it's so rubbish why have you been borrowing it? It's cheap and it's not going to stand up to something worth a lot more but it's a laugh and has midi ins and outs.

 

[Killyp]

Kef reference 102s can be had for £160, they stand at about a foot tall, half that in width and 2/3rds a foot in depth.

Can't say I've heard those. If you're recommending they're used for studio use though, then the OP would want to look at the matching EQ, or else they're going to be lumpier than school custard...

I own a microkorg, and if it's so rubbish why have you been borrowing it? It's cheap and it's not going to stand up to something worth a lot more but it's a laugh and has midi ins and outs.

I wanted to try out some different synths before I bought one myself. The Microkorg seemed like a good bet considering how many people praised it online, but I wasn't that impressed. Went with an Alesis Ion in the end which me (and my friend who owns the Microkorg) both agree is streets ahead sonically, and in terms of build quality (features is given, but you'd expect it to be for the price). Alesis do a compact version with a few things taken out, and a few different things added in (decent effects section and a sequencer) called the Micron, which gives much of the same as the Ion but in a package which resembles the MicroKorg. Much easier to use than the Korg though, and definitely built better and sonically better too. The Korg just feels like a very very very nice toy, whilst the Micron feels like a 'serious' bit of kit.

 

[Tarkovsky]

Yes the kube is a must with the kef 102s. I have a pair myself and I think they are pretty damned good. With the kube you can extend the bass from 60 to 50, but I leave that feature off and the deep stuff up to my REL storm.

I'll totally differ to you on the subject of keyboards as I just mash keys.

 

[superuser2]

Does the Alesis mixer combine all the sound at the hardware level and record to a single track, or are the sliders really software controls? (I suppose the question is: is the mixing analog or digital?) I'd probably rather have separate tracks for seperate mics/instruments than one big one, unless that's not possible at a lower price point.

Could I later use the Alesis mixer for a live performance (speakers aside)?

Snyth music seems interesting to me. I'm not that great on a piano but I have a friend who is completely amazing and would probably work with me. I will have to check out that book - has much changed in the last 10 years or is the info still pertinent?

Can I have some snyth recommendations? (A software snyth is probably what I want more than a hardware one)

Here's my options as I see them: no matter what, I'll probably want an audio interface. For this I am hearing the Alesis Multimix. What do you think of the M-Audio line?

For a Microphone I have the option of an interface and an SM57 or a USB Samson C03U.

This may seem like a stupid question, but is there a difference in what you need to record an acoustic and electric guitar?

We have a local music store, called Brass Bell. Would it be a good idea to rent speakers for live performances rather than own them? And if I did get the B&W's would that amp be a good idea for a live performance?

Still looking for book/reading/resources as well...

 

[Killyp]

Does the Alesis mixer combine all the sound at the hardware level and record to a single track, or are the sliders really software controls? I'd probably rather have separate tracks for seperate mics/instruments than one big one, unless that's not possible at a lower price point.

Each separate channel comes out as an input in Core Audio (so GarageBand or Logic can use them properly). They aren't software controls though, it's a proper 'analogue' mixing desk with an audio interface built in. Each channel is a separate input, and the main mix can also act as an input (if you just want to record that), and the output comes through the main mix. Very flexible...

Could I later use the Alesis mixer for a live performance (speakers aside)?

Yes, you can. It's just a normal mixing desk, of good quality (considering it's price) with a good quality (again, considering it's price) audio interface built in. The mixing desk can act entirely independently of the interface.

Can I have some snyth recommendations? (A software snyth is probably what I want more than a hardware one)

Get Propellerheads Reason (4 preferably), and start playing with the Subtractor synth, then move on to some of the other stuff...

Here's my options as I see them: no matter what, I'll probably want an audio interface. For this I am hearing the Alesis Multimix. What do you think of the M-Audio line?

I've had a few things from M-Audio, and they've generally been quite good. If they do an alternative to the Alesis MultiMix, then I haven't used it so won't say anything. The MultiMix is brilliant though (not the USB version, only the Firewire version is brilliant).

For a Microphone I have the option of an interface and an SM57 or a USB Samson C03U.

This may seem like a stupid question, but is there a difference in what you need to record an acoustic and electric guitar?

Nah it's not a stupid question. Generally electric guitars should be recorded by mic'ing up an amp with a mic capable of handling high SPLs (volume) and placing the mics in different positions in front of the speaker to get different sounds.

An acoustic guitar generally needs a mic with a much lower noise shelf and slightly more sparkly highs (using a mic like this for electric guitars will usually result in angular and shrieky upper mids/highs).

I'd recommend the SM57 & a pop shield if you want to record vocals.

We have a local music store, called Brass Bell. Would it be a good idea to rent speakers for live performances rather than own them? And if I did get the B&W's would that amp be a good idea for a live performance?

NO, definitely NOT. Again, audio for home use, and even studio use is a very, VERY different field to the live sound/PA system field. The two are COMPLETELY different, and should never be mixed. I've only ever heard one pair of hifi speakers which can handle live sound volume levels, and even then it's a little touch and go.

 

[firestarter]

Background: I've been moving over the last 4 years from being interested in Audiophile music playback (Digital signal through a Musical Fidelity DAC3, NAD C302, Epos ELS speakers) through to more headphone oriented playback (Benchmark DAC to Sennheiser 650) and now to music recording on a guitar.

Re tremendous: I'm sort of trying to figure that out. I have an interest in sound engineering; I want to know what I can do with it, and what kind of gear is necessary to do it.

A couple scenarios I have come up with so far:

• Compose/create ambient/electronic music or drum beats: I would need synths, a DAW, and a keyboard or other hardware MIDI controller.

Check out Propellerhead's Reason. It's a complete music studio in a box, with some pretty tasty synths. It's also cheap and easy - quite a good way to get into things. Team it with an M-audio Oxygen for cheap keyboard fun.

Want to spend more and get better gear? Get Apple's Logic Express to use as a DAW, which also has some OK soft synths. Get a Novation Xio synth. This is a great bit of kit - a decent synth with good keys, an audio interface and a USB based keyboard for soft synths.

• Work for a student band: I would want to record (electric) guitars and vocals at reasonable quality, and would probably want a portable setup for concerts/performances. (We're 12-14 year olds, so in this case super-quality isn't everything.)

This is getting closer to my setup. I have a MOTU Ultralite which is an awesome 10in 14out audio interface. 2 of the inputs are also guitar / mic level, it does digital in/out, midi and it's firewire based. It's also got inbuilt DSP and can act as a mixing desk. Low latency firewire too.

I couple this with Native Instruments Guitar Rig 3 which does brilliant amp and effect emulation - really good for recording excellent sounding guitar (the amp emulation is lightyears ahead of that in Logic).

Buy Logic express too for recording.

• Learn guitar and (eventually) record guitar/voice solos, or meet up with other people with the same sort of interest.

Great! Come join us on the Justinguitar.com site and forums. You can't go too far wrong with a Yamaha Pacifica 112 guitar and Roland Cube amp. The site I recommended has a LOAD of free youtube based lessons - I recommend you get a teacher too.

• Get a seriously cool hi-fi or headphone setup: headphones or loudspeakers, and amp, and a source (probably my MBP or iPod).

#1 - #3 would probably mean I'd have to get #4 .

I wouldn't spend too much money on this sort of thing for now. Just listening to music is very passive... if you have the determination now is a GREAT time of your life to actually get into playing it. The great thing about electronic music stuff is that it's pretty cheap compared to audiophile HiFi - so concentrate on the recording side, not just on an audio system.

If you're going to buy speakers, take a look at active studio monitors - much better for mixing than the B&W speakers and amp listed. Check out Mackie, Genelec etc. If you're buying headphones get some decent closed back ones (to prevent audio leakage when recording vocals). A MOTU ultralight interface has balanced outs/ a mixer / a headphone amp and decent D to A converters which will drive your headphones and speakers well.

Playing is fun too, since a real guitar in your hands plugged into a proper amp will sound better than any audiophile setup - after all, it's the real thing!

Good luck!

 

[firestarter]

I just wanted to add...

The recording / DAW stuff is pretty easy to pick up. Learning a musical instrument to a good level takes years. If you have any interest in this area, you should concentrate on learning to play something now, and get into the editing later. Buy that guitar!

 

[superuser2]

I totally agree with you on just listening: it is too passive. Truth be told I'm satisfied with my UEs and would rather concentrate on creation.

Most of the music I like and listen to is a vocal and an acoustic guitar - some of it electric guitar, though. I probably want to learn acoustic (is the skill transferable?). Although I am not sure I even want to at this point - my parents would think I'm crazy as I never, ever practice my trumpet for school band (though I don't care about trumpet music nor do I listen to any of my own free will).

I'll probably start with Reason and a keyboard - though I may see if I can work for a band as the recording option is significantly cheaper. ($400 instead of $650+).

What if I were to get a non-keyboard control surface and do drums/beats, that sort of thing? Do you think doing that alone makes any sense?

 

[firestarter]

Most of the music I like and listen to is a vocal and an acoustic guitar - some of it electric guitar, though. I probably want to learn acoustic (is the skill transferable?). Although I am not sure I even want to at this point - my parents would think I'm crazy as I never, ever practice my trumpet for school band (though I don't care about trumpet music nor do I listen to any of my own free will).

Yes, acoustic is transferrable (if anything, it's tougher on your fingers, so it's better practice). Guitar is much more social than a trumpet... you can't play a trumpet 'round a campfire.

What if I were to get a non-keyboard control surface and do drums/beats, that sort of thing? Do you think doing that alone makes any sense?

You can do OK beats with a step sequencer (as on Reason) or just programming into a DAW. If you're going to train and develop your sense of rhythm, I'd go for an electronic drum kit and actually learn how to play properly.

I think you need to think about this! All these things require skill and practice - either get a guitar or learn keyboards or drumming!

 

[CanadaRAM]

You need to abandon the idea that your personal rig could in any way be a live sound reinforcement system for a band. These are totally different applications, and a live system will set you back way, way more than your budget.

 

[superuser2]

I do agree I need to think; I just want to ask for some help to figure out my options and evaluate them.

So it comes to:

SYNTH/KEYBOARD:

Get Reason and a keyboard. Play myself or with a friend. Start taking piano lessons again. This I could have a lot of fun with.

DRUM:

Get either a touchpad or an electronic drum kit. I probably wouldn't do so well in terms of making an entire interesting song. I don't really like this option.

GUITAR:

First learn (acoustic) guitar and get better at that. Later get an M-Audio interface or Alesis Multimix to record.

All these seemed to be aimed at me being a musician. That's certainly an option and I probably should go down that road.

But what about being more of a technician and recording/producing for other people? I could work with said friend to make electronic music, or record for a band (similar setup to guitar.)

The reason I'm hesitant to abandon live is that if I were a technician for a student band I'd be kinda useless. What is it that middle school bands do? Or do they just spend more money that I'm willing to?

 

[Tarkovsky]

Superuser.
As a guitarist in a band, a musician/songwriter, occasional producer of radio segments and DJ as well as techhead for my student radio I think the most important thing where you are currently is that you enjoy whatever your doing. Try and get involved in everything you can, and be up for trying a bit of everything, and put enthusiasm into everything you do if you're going to do it. Sounds like obvious advice and it's often very difficult to be enthusiastic about things you don't want to do, so in that case, don't! You're getting involved in 'sound' because you are interested in something because it's something that interests you.

About getting involved in bands, it was about your age that I first got interested in music (I'm now 20) and I understand the urge. You're question is very searching 'what can I do in a band'? The answer is pretty much anything. But primarily it has to be something you enjoy. For me that's play guitar, write songs and record, maybe make other kinds of sounds using other instruments.

Here's a good way of getting started. First of all think about the music you listen to. Don't be afraid to like things that strike you as a bit wierd and not very cool, because as you get older you'll learn cool is what you make it. I've always secretly liked a bit of a electro, cheesy dance music, indie and the occasional something heavy and jazz. I try to put all that into what I do, but that's only because I like those sounds. Now look up how they make those kind of sounds. Don't be afraid to feel like your too similar to anyone. The nature of anything creative is that you can't just start doing your own thing.

I think it's best to experiment with as many different kind of instruments as possible. Obviously you are on a budget, but there are still lots of ways to do this, like borrowing and giving things a try out in a shop. Don't worry about buying cheap and naff equipment. It's what you do with it that counts. Obviously if it's so cheap it breaks then there's a problem though.

Getting a band together is a really good idea because it will give you something to focus on and develop towards, which will allow you to develop other skills in the way. I know that if I wasn't in the band I'm in currently I wouldn't practice guitar as much as I do. But it can be quite difficult to amass people together. First of all you have to be able to make sound in some way. I think keys or a guitar is quite useful, but you can do it with whatever you like. It takes years of practice to get good, so as someone else has said it's best to start now. But don't see it like you have to practice for some particular purpose other than just having fun. If it starts to become a chore learn something else, but when you're in a band it feels a lot more purposeful.

 

[Tarkovsky]

Oh and try to catch as much live music as possible. But protect your ears, I'm getting some tinitus now from it, which is very bad at my age.

 

[Tarkovsky]

Finally if you're interested in being a technician just jump at every chance you have to work with microphones, mixing desks, computers etc. You asked what can a technichian do for a band? Well it can just be setting up the PA, it can also be making recordings which is an art in itself, it can translate into producing (influencing the bands sound), you can trigger effects, but a live technician just generally translate into being involved in the sound but not on stage.

 

[superuser2]

Thank you Tarkovsky. Great advice.

I am currently jumping at every chance I see... but a) I want to know where to look for chances and b) I want to know if I should be creating some chances for myself. Like I said I do school concerts, talent shows, and this year the musical, and during the summer run sound for a theater class.

(Though the auditorium for the theater classes is run by a control-freak; while there's a really nice setup there all I get is a CD player that plugs into it. Mics, sound board, the whole shebang exist but behind locked doors that I'm not even allowed to touch. So really I just run the soundtrack.)

I could probably hang out a bit at my local music store and try out some of their stuff... could be interesting...

Do you think recording a local student band is a realistic or good idea? I think it'd be interesting to get a feel for that kind of thing. But then, that requires my own equipment.

 

[Tarkovsky]

Probably the best advice for getting into music is to go to art school/uni as you'll meet likeminded people...
Obviously that involves at least four years wait for you. It was a very musically frustrating period for me anyway... For the moment you should get anyone else interested to bring an instrument and start making sounds for fun anywhere you can. I managed to persuade my mates into getting involved. Now one plays bass and the other sings and plays the drums, but both for different bands! Don't expect to be able to play like the guys on tv, they've been doing it years, but if it's fun so what right? Do get practising though! Oh and busking is great fun. I used to do it at school for lunch money. Check and see what the local rules are on it.

If you're looking to spend money, my advice is first get yourself a cheapo keyboard (must have midi)/guitar/ anything you want to make music with (I myself am considering learning to play flute!) then buy an sm57, then an interface (I'm assuming you have some sort of computer). That's probably the order of preference for you. Some things do well second hand (like sm-57s, they are hard to break), some things don't. For now just stick with your nice headphones. When you get an interface you can run your speakers/phones out of that as that will usually sound better than your computer.

You can make basic recordings with just a mic and a laptop, it's not going to sound like anything you'd get on a cd, but it's a good place to start, and some people love lo-fi recordings. I recorded my friends acoustic duet with some basic kit, as in 1 good mic, 1 good pre amp, 1 ok inteface and a computer. It sounded nice, not very loud or massively detailed but really nice.

 

[Killyp]

Get hold of a copy of Reason 4 and Logic 7 or 8 (8 is preferable, much more user friendly) and the two will work together.

Get an el-cheapo Midi keyboard (look at Evolution) with USB.

When you then have the money, get an Alesis Multimix FW as your interface for recording more complex audio and a microphone such as a Shure SM57. If you think you're going to be doing more vocal stuff and less electric stuff (recording electric guitars), then get the Rhode NT1, it'll produce a better sound.