Mic/Preamp recommendation? Want to sing along to a piano. Greyson Chance Like!

Hey, school just ended and I want to continue a new hobby I picked up this summer. But I don't know which microphone to get and pre-amp.

I picked up piano this summer after playing it for the first time at someone's house last christmas. Already I've covered a few songs and got quite a number of views on youtube. So I feel I can do more.

I bought my first midi keyboard this summer (piano too expensive) and plan on recording the piano through my PC.

Can you guys recommend me a microphone to get so that I can try singing along with my own piano arrangements? If possible (IF), is there a mic that tends to 'make people sound better'? I know some mics make people sound worse, and singing in the shower always sounds better, so I was wondering if there's a mic that can kind of 'replicate this' :P

School ended and I just found out about a kid named Greyson Chance on youtube. I got extremely motivated. I know I could record something like that if I took the time to do it.

Anyways, thanks a bunch! I plan on ordering it this weekend to get here before christmas.

Oh yeah, my budget: Anything reasonable as long as its a good deal and good product. Dont mind spending around 200/300 for a good mic andr preamp.

For FYI, My Hardware:
Intel i7 Professor
1 Axiom 66 Pro Midi Keyboard
Native Instruments Piano VST Package
EWQL Platinum Plus's Play Edition VST Orchestra Package
Line 6 Toneport UX2 Instrument input control panel.
Dynamic Shure Mic ($20 at bestbuy): PG58

OK, this is funny, I was just going to post about these.  My new

MXL 603(s) mics http://www.mxlmics.com/products/Studio_mics/603/v603.html; and
ART PRO MPA II:  http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ProMPA2/

I modded the Art with 2 Mullard AX7's http://thetubestore.com/mul12atcv.html

I also got the Art for less than the MSRP, for about $50. So with the mod I'm looking at just over 3 bills.

In tandem, my drum overheads have NEVER sounded better.  I also like the MXL's because you can upgrade/change capsules.  They come with Cartoid but I'm going to get the OMNI's.  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&m=Y&is=REG&sku=479134&A=ShowProduct&Q=

We did vocals using the ART last night (using a Sennheiser I can't rememer what off hand) and I have NEVER NEVER NEVER heard such clear, present vocals and absolutely ZERO noise.  I am SO incredibly stoked.

Enjoy!

for the mic any cheap LCD will probably work ok.  There are lots under a $100 and there really shouldn't be much difference between them, tho you might want to look up mods so at some point you can make it a bit better.

The ART mp is ok, but I don't know if I'd put money into a different tube - certainly not doubling the price.  I have an old one and the biggest problem w/ it is noise if you up the input.  And if you use the tube it gets .... mushy, blooming whatever you want to call it.  Great on bass and a few other things, but not my cup of tea for vox.

But for $50 you get a nice preamp, di etc.

@
 
PS -  the mlx 2003A has gotten some good press, and it is $150.

yes, the 12At7 it has a lower gain... hence less noise... it's definitely an upgrade.


Here's my favorite preamp of all the lower priced stuff:



http://pro-audio.musician...re73-Preamp?sku=580975