yo, just in regards to using your vocal mic into the fx loop you'll need a vocal preamp in between your mic and fx return. i use a little behringer 4 channel mixer (BEHRINGER: MX400) and that gives my mic enough boost for the axe to work with. Also i noticed that you are in Melbourne. are you in a band? i live in Caulfield South. I can give you some tips on vocal effects etc. it's great to be able to run you vocals as well as guitar into the axe. really opens things up with lots of possibilities, like vocal harmonies and other more trippy effects. let me know if you are interested.