I'm leaning toward the Tascam US-1641 - only $299 from musiciansfriend and even comes with bonus gifts http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pro...face?sku=245002

Has 8 XLR mic pres and 6 balanced TRS inputs - that's simultaneous 14 inputs! You can squeeze in another 2 via S/PDIF.

Quality, err well, it's a live gig. I'm thinkin' this with a laptop, a snake, some short xlr cables, some mics and stands, and a couple of splitter boxes so they can split to the PA and I'll have a I need.

For tracking software though, not thrilled about Cubase 4LE. I might have to pick up a copy of Propellerhead Record. I need something stable on Windows 7 64bit. Really sucks Pro Tools won't do work as I just prefer using a DAW I know well. Suggestions?

Justin,

What did you end up deciding to get?

Yep .. that says it all ... hack

Can't deal with anything that's not recorded in a pristine environment? Stay in your basement.

"Yep .. that says it all ... hack"

Ouch, Joe! That's harsh!!! Ultimately true though... For my $ , if the musicians are good, there's nothing like a "live" performance with a real audience - you just can't capture that energy (which translates directly to the music)in the studio.

Haven't bought anything just yet. I'll report back when/if I do.