Sound Card Question

[Won 1]

Ok, I just did the sound card wizard (pretty cool). I am not at all familiar with computer sound cards. Currently, I can use my Mackie 1604 mixer, patched to my computer via a USB port. With the little free recording program I have, I can record this premixed signal in stereo.

I wish to upgrade to recording at least 8 tracks simultaneously. Then add more tracks and mix down to a finished recording. I am thinking of purchasing an Alesis 16 channel Firewire mixer that comes with Cubase (LE). Would I also need to purchase a different sound card for the computer?

I guess I am confused about the sound cards.....with multiple channel inputs, etc. Are those physical input jacks? If the audio signal is converted to digital data in the mixer and then sent to the computer via firewire, would I need a multi-channel sound card?

I know I must sound stupid. I'm just new to this computer recording thing and reading different things on the net are confusing me even more.

Thanks for any help.

[brandondrury]

I am thinking of purchasing an Alesis 16 channel Firewire mixer that comes with Cubase (LE). Would I also need to purchase a different sound card for the computer?

Alesis 16 is a soundcard.

I guess I am confused about the sound cards.....with multiple channel inputs, etc. Are those physical input jacks?

I'm not sure what you mean.

If the audio signal is converted to digital data in the mixer and then sent to the computer via firewire, would I need a multi-channel sound card?

It sounds like the soundcard is built into the computer in this case.

I recommend you read through my Home Recording Soundcard Wizard in the beginner section. (see signature). It should clarify some of this.

Brandon