well both in studio and performing. A Preamp - If you do go with a Condenser you'll need to power it, preamps are the way to do this. I personally own the M-Audio DMP3. It's high mid-range two channel preamp. It's a very good starter. For Recording: Audio Interface - This is a peice of equipment into which you can plug your preamp, dynamic mic, MIDI controllers, etc. and interface it with your computer (so that you can then record it). Not know a lot about your computer and since he may want to be able to attach it to both a desktop and a laptop, I'd recommend a USB Audio Interface, that way it'll work with just about anything. Recording Software - This is the software that is going to actually take what's being inputted and create audio files from it. I like CuBase SE, it's fairly inexpensive but is very similar to what pros use. Cord, stand, amplifier of some sort A microphone alone will do your son no good if you do not have something to amplify the sound. This would include a small P.A. system consisting of an amplifier, equalizer (not absolutely necessary) and speakers. You'll need a good high impedence cord and a nice stand. Peavey is a pretty good brand of microphone. Have fun! Georgia O'Keeffe said, "Singing has always seemed to me the most perfect means of expression." From one singer to another -- SING ON!! Recording Equipment He has a mic and