Hi scary groove,
I am using Reaper as DAW. For audio input I used a Focusrite scarlet 2i2 and I recently upgraded to the 18i8. The 18i8 has 8 mic inputs, 4 of which are XLR with phantom 48V power. It works great for recording 4 mics simultaneously, e.g. 4 different speakers, or 3 speakers and a room mic.
For mics I have the usual suspects and vintage mics, but I'll name some new models:
-Shure PG57, which I like actually better then th SM57 it imitates
-Prodipe TT1, more highs then SM57, yet smoother.
-100$ ribbon mic, long ribbon type. There are Various brands for these. Right now I use it a figure8 room Mic. Up close to the speaker it has way much proximity effect.
-Studio Project B1, cheap large condenser, Works also great for close miking a cab
- I recently bought two Mic Clamps, so I could fic the mic on to a Cab. Works great, far less mess in the room this way.