New computer Old computer

I've been recording vocals out of marshall valvestate clean channel - I was getting more volume through the old packard bell than I am through the hewlett packard - the rest of the equipment is the same so it must be the computer - I was recomended to try a behringer pre - amp which i'v been considering.
I was wondering if I could obtain some sort of vocal echo unit to spice up the Vocals or suitable pre - amps
What do U think ?

A pre-amp is a good idea. Either that or a decent mixer with a pre-amp built in. If you ever decide to go with a condenser mic, you should get phantom power built in too.
As far as the echo unit goes, you'd be better off leaving that for mixdown.
Better to have a dry signal and use echo sparingly only when you need it.
You'd be better off with a decent compressor. You don't need really heavy compression when recording, but just enough to give you a hot signal going in.

Thanks schmange i'll be going down the pre amp road, are there any other companies that manufacturer them, Marshall or fender or anybody really ?

I've heard good things about the vocal preamps by Toneport (www.line6.com), although I haven't tried them myself.
Then, of course, depending on what you want to spend, there's stuff like
ART Tube MP Studio V3, Avalon M5, Grace Design Model 101, Studio Projects VTB-1, Universal Audio M-610 etc etc etc....

I had a look at Toneport and it does look good.
If I went for A mixer with a built in pre amp, who would make it and supply it ? and what would be it's approximate cost, I'm in the south of England and finding equipment is a nightmare

Try Behringer. They make some really nice mixers for around 100 pounds or less.



8 Tracks of inputs, lots of outputs, headphone mix, tape out etc..
The advantage here is that if you're using more than one Mic or other instruments you can just leave them permanently plugged in.
ie,
Channel 1: Rode NT1 Mic
Channel 2: Shure SM58
Channel 3: Stereo Guitar Synth Left
Channel 4: Stereo Guitar Synth Right
Channel 5/6: Stereo Guitar L+R
Channel 7/8: Stereo Drum Machine

Try here:
http://www.behringer.com/02_products/pricelistDetails.cfm?lang=ENG&cid=GB

Thanks thats looks like the exact thing I'm looking for.
I'm been experimenting with recordings the last couple of hours and I've noticed that if I record a lead guitar through the valvestate it also has a reduced output through the line out, wheras if I record throught the processor it's fine - I now suspect the marshall valvestate line out and not the computer