@fiddlionist, I actually just 'upgraded' to the Scarlett 2i2 and an MXL R144 here.  My old setup was starting to show its age (M-Audio mobile Pre USB and AT2035 SC Mic).  You've probably already picked up the interface or something similar but here's my initial thoughts on both for what it's worth :). 

MXL R144:  For an entry level Ribbon Microphone I do have to say I am thoroughly impressed, which takes a bit since I'm so analytic in nature and have been at the recording game for a decent tenure now lol.  For the price, it is a great microphone especially considering the next jump at least locally would be to a Royer 121 which is about 1000 dollars beyond budget.  Very crisp and clear microphone though it does take quite a bit to saturate the sound with the gain.  This is to be expected with a ribbon mic though.  A CloudLifter or similar item would do the trick to bring up the gain a bit more.  There is a little bit of a low end resonance with this mic but can be filtered out in any DAW EQ while editing easily.  All in all if you haven't picked one (or 2) up yet, go for it!  It's definitely not a Royer but will do the trick nicely.  An added bonus is the cushioned case for the shock mount and microphone that come with it as well as an extra set of shock mount bands (which we all know wear out after a couple years) and cleaning cloth!  Hats off MXL!

FocusRite Scarlett 2i2:  I can't say enough about this interface, honestly...  Not going to go in to everything at all but the internal components are wired with Mogami wiring.  This says a great deal about the quality of the products they put out.  I only trust Mogami in my studio for the cabling going from the mixer to interface/mic etc. and upon seeing this endorsement on their box I did get curious yet skeptical (typical here lol).  After hooking everything up and doing some testing of the drivers, DAW integration etc. I have zero complaints.  The sound is extremely clean and the drivers on my system work flawlessly (Windows 7 x64) even running on 96000Hz.  My old interface can't even come close to comparing to this one.  The drivers were terrible and faulty, max recording rate was 48000 that never even worked properly and the shielding inside must have been made of plastic with no foil at all since I could clearly pick up radio stations at times...  After researching more on the FocusRite products, they use the same internal component quality for their entry level interfaces all the way up to their Saffire line which once again showcases their attention to detail and customer satisfaction.  Highly recommend this interface for entry level or even intermediate use!  Once again, you can't really beat the price for what you get either.  

Best of luck in your endeavors!

~FD