Help With Ibook And Vocal Recording Options

[mattlore]

I have a 800MHz G3 iBook that I've been attmpeting to use for simple keyboard and vocal recording. I've used both the lowest level Cubase and Metro studio software with an Onkyo USB interface for the microphone. My problem is when I mix down the audio tracks (the MIDI tracks I create are fine), the volume level is incredibly low. Even with suggestions I have gotten, I haven't been able produce a satisfactory-sounding audio mixdown.

So, I want to start fresh and get new software and a new interface. Is Mbox a viable option? I'm wondering if the preamps will help with the audio quality. I'd also like to start playing around with composing and sequencing outside of vocal recording, so I'm interested in more serious software. Quality vocal recording, however, is my main objective.

What are the best suggestions re software, interfaces (in the $200-600 realm) etc. for vocal recording on my iBook? Any help is greatly appreciated.