stevesonthebay

i am trying to setup a recording studio and so far this is what i have.

dual core 2.8 PC 2 gig ram (may need more)
lexicon alpha interface into PC
Yamaha emx 860 powered mixer into interface
behringer c9 condenser mic into xlr on mixer
dynamic mic into mixer
acoustic guitar recorded by mics
vocals through condenser mic.
running cubase audio software.

i am getting a pretty good result but i think it could be better. i get a tiny bit of interference like slight hiss or some occasional crackle. it maybe my connections or maybe its the mixer itself. would i be better off going straight into the interface with everything. i know some interfaces have a pre amp with phantom power would this be a better more direct connection.
at the moment i am recording in my lounge room and the play back sounds a bit dull and muddy is this because of the room im using. if so what sort of room should i use. i have access to a small room at the back of the house which is a utility room with the hot water tank in it. its about 8 x 8 and has a cement floor with partition walls. what sort of sound proofing would i need. i have some egg cartons as i heard they are good. just want to make sure its worth using as i will have to pay a small fee to use it. also am i better off recording the guitar plugged in to the mixer or interface as it sounds of bit muffled when i record it with the mics or will the room im in make that difference.
also need to learn about how to add effects to song. is there any common effect like condensing that is used with voice. i seem to add condenser and maybe humanizer or i have this pre set effects with lexicon that gives different rooms and chamber effects and you can also customize but i find i have to tone it right down as it is to echoy and make it sound separate from the guitar. i will have to do a audio course or something as its a bit over my head.
does the brand of the interface make much difference. i realize quality makes a difference but i am on a budget and will get better stuff when i can afford it and know whats the best way to go. the equip i have at the moment is fairly cheap but i think i can get better sound with a few adjustments. lastly i want to connect my keyboard to the setup. where would i plug it in to use as a midi device into the interface or PC. i know i should be able to find the device in my cubase device setup and then i can add vts instruments to it. i just want to get it setup in the right order to get the best result. sorry if i sound like a bit of a newbie but i am beginning to get my head around it just need to be pointed in the right direction.

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Most of us go to our grave with our music still inside of us.