I think a good mics and pres are essential. As long as the interface is quiet all is good.

I would never encourage a beginner to start with just anything. If you start by plugging a Nady Starpower mic or their brethren into your on-board sound card, you are going to be discouraged.

With a decent pre, SM-57s are good mics, if that's the sound you are looking for. There are many mics in that range that have differing qualities that would also work to get you started. Some of the MXL condensers and some direct to digital USB mics are good examples.