Best audio interface for live multi channel recording?

[offtheblvdrecords]

ok I finally was able to log on to the forums!

so... Hello all! My name is David and I run a small "label" for friends and artistic collaborators, I also have a band which does acoustic/digital music, mostly improv. We take from world folk music (blues, American folk, gypsy, ragtime, country, traditional polish, mento, samba etc.) as well as modern folk music (rock, hip hop, electronic music etc.).

I recently took out some loans to expand my musical horizons. I'm laying down some serious cash for things I'm not an expert in. Its some what scary.

One issue in particular is what audio interface to buy, I have a unique set up and work style in mind. I'm really confused now, after reading the misleading information that a lot of manufactures put up to make it seem like you can record 20 channels, then you find out it has only 4 simultaneous inputs!!

I’m looking into the firestudio as well as m-audio and motu competitors… however I'm really lost when I read about the misleading information virtual v.s. simultaneous inputs.

I looking to use a new penryn core 2 duo 2.4ghz macbook pro laptop, I will be using the audio interface as part of a setup to do live shows with mic’d people and live acoustics and electronic stuff both lined in and from the computer itself which will play samples and do on the fly arranging… ill be working mainly in ableton live and eventually max/msp to handle my AWS duties.

I’m looking for something that can handle as many high quality line in's as possible, and at least enough mic inputs to mic a live drum set and maybe one or two vocals (if needed i could convert xlr’s to 1/2″)…

I’d also like to have the head phone mix option like yourself because I'll be kinda of an improv composer as well as the sound man for the band and I'd like to be able to send out different information to the different members… also any features that would take away strain on the computer itself (processing power that is), since its already going to be both mixing the live show as well as arranging additional loops, live efx, live keyboard etc.

Any suggestions on brand, model, or possible deals/referbs
anything to get me started down the recording path quicker!

[offtheblvdrecords]

p.s. I would only like to spend between 400-600$ roughly on an interface and if i could get something with more then 8 simultaneous inputs, that would be stellar!

[abrahamdurairaj]

If you are still looking at then you might find Zoom R16 recorder for you

~Abe

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Born Again!