new to recording, microphone and software help

Hi, I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the Rode NT1A microphone? I was watching some covers on youtube and heard one that sounded real good and the description said he was using that microphone, it says it requires 48v phantom power though and im not sure what that means, I was hoping I could record with my computer and like Audacity software but I have no experience in recording (yet). Is Cubase SX3 good? I might be able to get a good deal on that too...
I currently have onboard soundcard that is 5.1 and I also got a soundblaster audigy zs2 7.1 card, would I just use the microphone and line in input plug ins?

If you plan on using either of the sound cards you have, you won't be able to use the Rode, or any condenser mic that requires phantom power. Those cards don't supply it. Neither will the cards have the XLR and 1/4" line inputs that are standard on recording interfaces, which again, the Rode will need an XLR input.

Also, neither card will have the pre-amp clarity that a good recording interface needs. The soundblaster is a good gaming/playback card, but doesn't work all that well for high quality recording.

Personally, if I was interested in recording and just starting out, I'd go for a package something like this:
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Tascam-US144-Interface-and-990991-Mic-Pack-Bundle?sku=241736

Add a mic stand and you have a good little hardware bundle to get started with

Yeah I started going through the comments on the youtube videos and discovered people were using those tascam devices, the us122, what about using a tascam us122 or the tascam in the link u posted plus a rode Mic?
Also wondering how the Rode NT1A compares to the Rode NT1000.

the NT1A is a great mic. it does require power to run it. pre amps, inexpensive mixers can supply the power. the digital interface I use gives my condenser mic phantom power. I also use a soundblaster card. it is not bad. I started out recording trying to keep it 'cheap'. so far so good. but I am outgrowing my hundred dollar stuff.
I have Cubase Essential 4. that too is not bad.
http://www.tweakheadz.com

has lots of answers and gear ideas.

dogbite, I thought so because I read some reviews that had some good stuff to say about it. I was talking to a friend and he said he uses this: http://www.lexiconpro.com/ProductIndex.aspx?ProductID=6
He said it works real great and comes with Cubase LE and would give me the phantom power I need. I think the Omega would give me something to grow into and accomplish what I would like to do now (record my progress of my playing abilities).
I'll check out that link you provided..

I use the Omega myself with my laptop for recording band practices. It's a nice little unit.

Good to hear, I'll shop around and see if I can find a good deal on the mic and the omega. What software are using Moonrider? I heard the included software is weak but I haven't used any recording software before...

Good to hear, I'll shop around and see if I can find a good deal on the mic and the omega. What software are using Moonrider? I heard the included software is weak but I haven't used any recording software before...

I'm usually using Reaper on the laptop. It's very inexpensive but still very powerful, and you can download it to try it before you buy it.
http://www.reaper.fm/

On the "big" machine where I'm doing less straight tracking, and more work with virtual instruments, plugins, and MIDI I use Tracktion. This is a very visual program, and allows you to set up and work with your FX and instruments in chains. This also has a downloadable demo to try.
http://www.mackie.com/products/tracktion3/

I'll have to take a look at reaper. For about $265 after shipping I got a Lexicon Omega and a Rode NT1A with shockmount and xlr cable (both claim to be tested and 100% working in like new condition) so all I should need is some kind of stand to mount the mic too and I should be set to start recording. I was watching this video ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8cnoRC6wRo ) on some kit that Rode puts out that includes an NT1A and some other stuff and at the end they show the guy using the mic, sounds so clear and seems to really have a nice sound to it, did they have to do a lot messing around in the settings of their recording software to make it sound that good? I had seen a few other videos where they just placed the NT1A a few feet away from the guitar and it seemed to pick up the guitar and the guys vocal real well which is what I was hoping to accomplish.

once you get all your gear and start recording you will quickly discover all the joys and pains.

Ha, yeah I bet. I'm already reading the pdf manuals for both products, I plan to start looking at cubase tutorials also and maybe try to find some for audacity before everything gets here so Ill be ready go when it does.

hey merc. if you do decide to use Cubase LE I have a DVD tutorial for that. I can make a copy for you.
PM me if interested.

I use the Omega too but with Audacity. I stiopped using the Cubase because of the complexity. Also, isn't the Cubase that comes with the Omega only a demo version. When I was using it, I seem to reall if you wanted to save recodings as MP3's you could only do a limited number of those.

I do like the Omega for recording, makes good clean files.

not really a demo. but you are right. Cubase LE is a basic recording program placed inside some products. a freebie, an enticement. it is not a bad program. it is limited.
the plus side, the upgrades are far less costly than buying the product outright.

the mp3 maker allows twenty or so. weird. there is an updater (extender) that allows fo9r endless mp3 making.
I have that patch and can send it to any PC user. gmail accounta are blocked for some reason. if the spam wall is removed the attachment goes thru.

the plus side, the upgrades are far less costly than buying the product outright.

.... there is an updater (extender) that allows fo9r endless mp3 making.

Didn't know that about the LE version. If I could make all the mp3's I wanted I'd be more tempted to use it. It was a good program. I just didn't want to bother with learning it all if I was going to have to spend a bunch of money to get the mp3 capability.