Now that I finally got a new laptop (and a job), I'm looking for some recording hardware, either USB or PCMCIA, that will allow me to record multiple tracks simultaneously (approx. 16 tracks, since I want to keep each of my drum mics on a seperate track for seperate compression - either that, or I'm going to buy a generic Behringer mixer with built-in compression). I'm having trouble finding hardware with any decent number of tracks. And I'm getting tired of looking.

And yes, I probably posted this before, but I wasn't really paying attention then.

*le bumpe*

Google MOTU, M-Audio, Lynx Studio, ESI Pro and EMU. I can't recommend specific products since I've only used the EMU 1212m for not your purposes at all, but those are popular desktop audio companies.

MOTU pretty much wins. It appears to be exactly what I've been wanting.

I love my MOTU 828mkII, and they just came out with a USB 2.0 version. It used to be Firewire-only.

8 analog in/outs, 8 ADAT in/outs, SPDIF in/outs, 2 mic pres/instrument HI-Z jacks, separate mixes, headphone amp, incredible converters.

It ****ing owns.

What's your budget?

Fair, but since I'm about to put a downpayment on a Mustang, I don't know exactly. I'll have to wait a month to know, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to get this. (Assuming my band ever gets back together. )

For a good price/quality, MOTU would really be your best bet.

RME would be higher quality, but twice as expensive.

M-Audio is not too bad either, and you could buy Pro Tools M-Powered as well.