WOW! What a GREAT response. Sincere thanks to everyone for the excellent tips and suggestions. And Elvis made it all look so easy!..... Yeah, right! Looks like I have my mission cut out for me. If I can manage it financially, I would like to get two mics. Guess I'll be visiting the music stores and testing a few and scouring the re-sale sites for a cheaper option than buying new. Whichever mic I decide to buy, I'll make certain it's authentic and not a knock - off. Thanks for the tip on fake SM58's, Don.

ROG, just a question on the Focusrites: From a few user reviews I've read about the Saffire Pro 26 / Pro 40, it seems that a lot of users run into trouble and can't get enough gain without pushing the preamps to the max (well above 7 and to around 9) when using Dynamic microphones like the Shure SM58, Rodes et al. According to those users, there seems to be not enough dB pad for the gain. Have you had this kind of problem using the Saffire Pro series while using a Dynamic mic like the SM58, for example? The thing is that I have limited amount of $$$$$ to spend on studio gear, and I don't want to blow a wad of bills on an Audio Interface, for instance, and then find I'm running into trouble with it because the gain is inadequate and the preamps are too noisy because I have to increase the gain. I just want to buy something that is rock-solid and stable with very good preamps that will last me for many years to come. Any input on this is most welcome.

Cheers,
Dome

BIAB Audiophile, Reaper, Kontakt Full Edition, Roland A90-EX Master Controller MIDI keyboard, Windows 7 x64