iMac recording set up

You can pick up a hardly used presonus firebox from ebay for about $70, they were 250-300 a few years ago and connect via firewire with two combo inputs for XLR mics or guitar. If you keep an eye on ebay you might be able to score an old pair of KRK V4's at a decent price. As for mics, I can recommend an AT2020 which is pretty good for the price.

 

If you are going to record guitar and bass you can simply plug the instrument cable directly into the audio interface.

I don't like the Duet because it has only one knob. I prefer one control for each thing to be controlled.

I like the AKG K240 headphone. They have been the "standard" for decades in recording industry. Cost $100 at Sweetwater.

If you want to mic a speaker cabinet the first mic to buy is the sure SM57. Again it is the "standard" for this purpose and the first one everyone should get. they cost about $100 too. You will need a cable and stand for each mic.

But MOST important is if you mic the speaker cabs you need a PLACE to do this, a rom that sounds right and also contains the sound and that prevents outside noise from getting in.

You can also run the line out from an amp to the audio interface. THis would let you use your own amps but you'd not need a mic or a recording studio-like room

I would start with direct plug-in and computer amp models from either Logic or Aplitube. Then later move to getting your own real amp into the loop first with direct connect to line-in then with a microphone. Move in steps.

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I have the Firebox and recommend it over a duet. The KRK is good but anything like it with specs like it can be as good. (I'm using Samson 5" speakers and they are as good.) The AT2020 is a good deal and worth the money but the SM57 is the "industry standard" for recording guitar speaker cabs and it is not much more money. Use the 2020 for voice and acoustic guitar. The SM57 will take horrible abuse, you can't kill them.

 

I havent got time for a full response right now, Will do that later for you (Work Calls) But SERIOUSLY look at the Line6 TonePort UX2. I have been using Line6 kit for over 10 years (starting with the original Guitarport) and now i use the UX8 which is awesome. The UX2 is a brilliant bit of kit, that can power mics, as well as a couple of instruments at once.

I agree with ChrisA - The duet is really limited.

You wont regret it.

 

I think the TonePort UX2 has been replaced by the POD Studio UX2.

OP, I think you should spend your money on a nice set of monitors - either HS50M or HS80M from Yamaha. If you need headphones for recording, the 702's are great. If you want something closed, look into the Shure studio headpones or Sennheiser HD-25ii.

 

The AKG 240 headphones are a good buy. The AKG 240 MK ll is the AKG 240 with some extra features if you have the money but either one will do the job.