Uprading/customizing home studio @ $10k

[kizzle]

Mostly I do ITB stuff for industrials etc. (lots of softsynths) but I've started to produce my wife (female vox) in a rock/pop vein and will require an upgrade in outboard gear. I want to put a great signal chain together for her vox. I also want to create a decent path for the live instruments like D.I. bass/guitar/synths with some amp miking (I almost never track drums).

I also want to get a mic or two (for vox), and probably new A/D converters like Lavry or a rosetta 200. (are we getting somewhat slutty yet?) I record into Logic Pro 7 using a Motu 896 ad/da. We've been using the pre's on the 896 and an AT4050.

My questions are these:
1) What is the buying priority (i.e. outbard vs. ad/da)? Will upgrading the outboard gear first be slighty ineffective with average converters?

2)There are so many options for her channel, and I'd love some suggestions. Something like API 512c>? eq>Distressor.

3)For myself (gtr/bass/syths) I was thinking about something like the Millenia TD-1 because I hear the D.I. is great and it gives me the option of having another mic pre. Other ideas?

4) Your favorite one or two essential vocal mics?

For about $8-10k, what are your initial must haves here? I know this can be a somewhat vague thing to ask, but I will not be able to audition tons of pre's/comps. I won't be able to initially choose every piece based on sonic nuance, but I do need a high quality sound solution as a starting point. One solid strip for female rock/pop vox, and one for instrument overdubs.

Thanks in advance
kizzle

[Alexi]

i think the API 3124 is THE bang for the buck unit

[kizzle]

Yeah the 3124 is great, but I don't need 4 channels at the moment. I guess I'm looking to see what people would do if they only had 1 channel for vocals from mic>pre>eq>comp. An ultimate strip to speak.

[The MPCist]

I would suggest buying from a dealer who has a return policy.... You will have to see what outboard actually would compliment her voice. The only way is to find out for yourself.

When it comes to vocals, I've found out that other people's choices don't translate to what I like so... you should experiment as much as possible before parting with your cash...

[natpub]

Mic (as noted above, you really must test several on her voice)>Pendulum Quartet II>Lavry Blue AD

[Alexi]

well, maybe a distressor and a great river me-1 channel unit................