Also Hugh , If your gonna start , dont skimp on your interface , large numbers of inputs are not important unless you are recording a full band at the same time , like a fully miced drum kit and more simultaneously ,
.., if not just start with a 2 or four pre-amped input interface .., but make sure it is the best quality ..
a 2 input model for you should be enough to start cheaply.

like for example the focusrite claret range , or their new scarlet range (not the older version) or Antelope Audio are also making excellent stuff .., and their Hi Z guitar inputs are excellent also offering low noise . But importantly. these new offerings feature very low latency.

https://us.focusrite.com/usb-audio-interfaces/scarlett-2i2

https://us.focusrite.com/thunderbolt-audio-interfaces/clarett-2pre


With mics , its better to save up and buy the quality mics you need for life , rather than a cheap and nasty one (that also sounds like crap) at which you need to upgrade later on .., as that is wasted money that could have gone towards the good mic.

And just buy (start with) i good condensor mike eg: RODE NT1 (about $250) it sounds good , and can sound as good as than some mics 3 times the price , and offers good bang for the buck. Its used for vocals, acoustic guitar , piano and can even handle the high spl's ok and lower frequencies like bass .., but generally more suited for mids to smooth highs - and later on you will always find a use for it ..

There is many other types but this advic is to just get you started without wasting money


next buy a Shure SM57 dynamic mic..., a tough , bullitproof studio workhorse , and a staple for guitar amps , drums (especially snare) and even used as a vocal mic sometimes (actually Bono and Micheal jackson liked to record vocals through one of these) .., but its vesatile .., so with these 2 mics and your decent preamp/interface you wont have wasted any money and youll be good to go .

Do your homework on what Daw you want its very subjective as to what the best (or easiest) Reaper is the cheapest, cubase best for midi, the list goes on .., and like I said all is subjective and each has its own fan boys .., good luck

Last edited by SFG; 10/14/16 02:03 AM.
My Specs
Computer : Mac Pro (late 2013) - OS Yosemite 10.10.5
Processor : 3.5 GHz 6-Core Intel Xeon E5
Memory : 64 GB 1866 MHz DDR3 ECC
Graphics : AMD FirePro D300 2048 MB
Interface : Avid Mbox 3 Pro
DAW : Pro Tools 12.6.0 (64 bit AAX)