I would like to refer you to a dude who has helped me immensely in recording technique and ethics over the years. His name is Graham Cochrane. Graham has a site called The Recording Revolution. Seriously check them out, and their youtube channel too.
His site focuses less on the gear and software. More than that, it is focused on the fundamental technique that your favorite mixing magazine may overlook. Some of these things are basic EQ and compression skill. Moreover, his anti-software-pirating, budget-studio focused methodology opens a wide range of doors for everyday folks who love music to produce their own record.