that's funny, ive heard just the opposite arguments along the way.

Some people feel the pre is THE most important thing, because it converts the signal to digital which is a complex issue. You're asking alot of a cheap unit to do that complex work.

Some folks feel you can get away with an sm58 mic so long as you have the great interface.

Monitors matter more for mixing that tracking, but you cant beat a great pair of monotors.

I guess there is no right or wrong, just what is right and wrong per individual.