Hey everyone, merry christmas.
It was especially merry for me because I have just come into a bunch of cash for throwing around. I've been researching a lot lately on the type of equipment I want to get, I'll run everything down for you.
I need atleast 8XLR inputs, as I want to be able to record drums, small quartets, etc.
It has to be digital, outputting audio to the computer (via firewire, or usb)
I also want it to be able to handle live music situations for mixing and outputting to pa speakers. I know I'll need a power amp then too.
Thats just the absolute basics of what I want. Here's the equipment list I have come up with so far. And I almost forgot, my budget is roughly $3000.

Mackie Onyx 1620 with firewire card (I know the firewire is pre-everything, thats fine)
2 Shure SM57's

I still need to get some near field monitors.
I'll also need a power amp for the monitors, and it should be able to handle my wharfdales for live music.
Any suggestions for these?

This is just an idea so far. Am I on the right track? Any better advice or ideas?
Hope I was clear enough.
Thanks everyone.