EQ Help?

[DMVertigo]

Hello everyone,
I'm looking to purchase a preamp and mics (each between 100-200 dollars), hopefully with 2 inputs. At current I am using a Blue Snowball USB mic, and I am looking to get better EQ. Any recommendations are helpful as I'm looking to improve the sound as best I can for low cost. I'm doing a small podcast out of my home currently and just need help deciding on good, lost cost equipment.

Looking for:
Preamp (from $50-$150), 2 inputs for mics, at least, USB style.
Mics, one for passing during any interview segments and one to sit on a stand. I'm new at this, so I need some help.

Thanks,
Devin Vertigo

[knadles]

If I were you, I'd skip the cheap condenser mics. You can get much better bang for your buck on the low end with a dynamic, and you'll be far less prone to popping.

Steve Dahl, who worked in radio for 40 years and can pretty much afford whatever he wants, uses a Beta 58 for his podcast. It sounds great. Personally, I like my AT3035 condenser, but they stopped making those a couple of years ago.

As for preamps, I don't have a good suggestion. Perhaps a used Mackie 1202 from before they moved production to China? It wouldn't have USB, but I'm not convinced USB is an advantage.

Pete