Re: [LAU] Recording Equipment

Hello LAU, I'm getting back to the basic concepts so I can try to understand better how to appropriately accomplish what I'm looking for in recording. What would be the maximum number of separate simultaneous tracks I use on a Yamaha MG166C? Would the MG166C allow for 4 separate simultaneous stereo tracks? What PCI card would allow for 4 separate simultaneous stereo XLR/mic tracks plus 1 or 2 MIDI instruments? I have a hunch the 1010LT and MG166C are not ideal for each other, though I am unsure which combination PCI+mixer would be. I think the MG166C might only be to handle 2 separate simultaneous stereo XLR/mic tracks. I might be wrong? I'm pretty sure the 1010LT only handles MIDI for 1 in and 1 out. I'd like to be able to put either 8 mono or 4 stereo tracks (8 XLR/mics) into a mixer, and hook all of the separate tracks (8 mono or 4 stereo) into the computer. Though I'd also like to be able to record 1 or 2 MIDI instruments simultaneously (on 1 or 2 additional tracks) with the XLR/mics' tracks. For the 4 stereo (or 8 mono) XLR/mic tracks: I'm guessing that I'll need at least a 12x4x2 mixer unless there is an 8x4x2 that has 8 independent XLR inputs (and outs?), though also a mixer with 4 "true" subgroups. Unless I can get away with only 2 subgroup faders if the 4 group outputs can still manage 4 separate simultaneous tracks. For the 1 or 2 MIDI tracks: I'm guessing I'll need a PCI card with either 2 I/Os (for 1 MIDI instrument) or 4 I/Os (for 2 simultaneous MIDI instruments). Unless I can use just 2 MIDI I/Os (1 in, 1 out) and if I want to use 2 MIDI instruments simultaneously perhaps get a "4x4" MIDI box. I'm hoping to stick with Yamaha or Mackie for a mixer, hopefully no more than $350 or $400. I'm hoping to be able to get a PCI card that is hopefully no more than $200 or $250. Thank you, Sean