When you say "digital multitrack" are you thinking of something like an HD24 or a Radar, or something like a VS2480 or DPS 24?

-Duardo

:D

Greetings PERRANFULO,

If you can afford it get both - you can use the multitrack for recording, basic editing and 'mastering' back to and the computer for more detailed editing, sequencing (if required), mixing and, of course, storage.

If you can only afford one or the other then I'd suggest you consider what experience you have with both systems, whether your current computer is compatible with MOTU products and is sufficiently speced to run efficiently and also consider your final medium/media for the 'finished' product.

Also, as pointed out above, generally speaking HD multitracks come in two flavours - those with their own preamps (and usually some sort of built-in mixer/control surface) and those that are 'desk-fed' (although it doesn't have to be a desk that feeds them, but you know what I mean).

In my opinion (and if you've got huge pockets) a RADAR system combined with a Mac or PC running Logic/Nuendo/Samplitude (delete as appropriate) would offer a very good digital system that, in the right hands, can produce professional results.

HTH

oh sorry, i meant like these:

http://www.americanmusical.com/item--i-MAC-MDR2496-FRS.html

http://www.americanmusical.com/item--i-ALE-ADATHD24XR.html

You'll certainly have more flexibility with the 24i/o, especially if you're looking at the ability to automate and mix digitally. The standalone boxes do offer basic editing capabilities, but I think you'd be better served with the computer-based setup.

-Duardo

The only bad thing I can say about the MOTU is the sample rate. If you decide to go with the interface route, this can pose a future problem. Just my worthless 2 cents, I do 2nd the computer based recomendation.

What's wrong with the MOTU's sampling rate? It's as high as the Mackie's and higher than the Alesis's (unless you get the higher-end version). Not that a higher sampling rate is synonymous with higher quality.

-Duardo

Thanx for the responses Spy duardo and jeremy.

Excuse the ignorance, but whats a RADAR system?

Also, a few more details i should have mentioned before:

I have NO equipment right now so everything will have to be bought (so, i think the compatability problems won't really affect me because i will try and make sure everything i get will be compatable with each other).

i also don't have any experience with any of the systems except for the mackie 24 track (standalone) digital multitrack.

also, the is something that worries me:

i hear over and over that not only are the mic's and preamps a HUGE part of the quality of recording, but the A/D & D/A converters too.

how do the Motu24i/o's converters sound? and how do they compare with the other multitracks i posted's converters?

thanx greatly!

I'll third going with the 24i/o and computer. I've used the Mackie, and I'll be honest, it was nice. The thing I didn't like about it was it's lack of flexibility. You're stuck with what's in that box for the most part. I just prefer the flexibility of a computer based DAW.