This is a tough question because it really depends on your personal working style. If you need a new computer anyway then a computer based DAW may be the answer. If you prefer to use analog style processors and methods you may something like the Mackie or the Tascam. Perhaps you should try looking up the DAW world forum on this site. Good Luck. :)

Bob

Frank,

I'd definitely check out an Emu-Ensoniq Paris system. Your 1.3 gig Athlon would rock with it! Check out the forum over on DAWworld.

Regards,

Graham

A 1.3Ghz system should be able to handle 13 tracks of 24 bit with ease...something must not be set right or your hardware isnt liking the athalon or via chipset that is in there. What chipset do you have? What is your hard drive configuration? What audio hardware are you using? etc etc etc..what OS are you currently on? how much Ram do you have? There's probably a few things that need to be done to your system to tweak it to it's optimum performance. Unfortunately this is the world of DAW recording. If you want to get away from DAW based systems then the MX2424 or the HDR24/96 is your ideal solution then. If you go with the Mackie you get a monitor and get to see your waveforms and edit them(but no ability to add plugins like waves or TC etc etc) if you go with the Tascam unit you have to wait until the MXView is out to get waveform editing(if that's what you need that is)..a lot of people dont need waveform editing. Think of the people that can edit faster on a 2" reel to reel then on a DAW or a hard disk recording unit such as the MX2424 or 24/96 machines!!
There's so many advantages vs disadvantages to DAW or stand alone hard disk recorders. Everyone will tell you one is better than the other when in plain and simple truth you have to decide for yourself which is better for you!
I've worked on the 2424 and found it great..I also like the 24/96 from mackie as well(especially with the D8B combo!!) Most of my work now is done on a PC based Nuendo system and frankly..I love it!! No special hardware needed..use what you want!
I'm also a long time Cubase user and founf that very friendly and able to do many things!
There's also the argument on Mac vs PC's..Macs are industry standard but PC's are very rapidly coming into play! I know of several major post production facilities that use PC's instead of Macs!! It all depends on your ability to know computers and figure out which one is better suited for you! That's the whole point! What are you more comfortable with!
Opus

I appreciate that last very extensivw reply. I'm curious as to what your audio card is and if you have problems with overdubs in Cuebase in that it will keep one of the older punches "on top".

The card has nothing to do whether the punches stay on top or not..that is a cubase feature..on the transport on the left side there is a mode for recording..overdub or replace! you may need to toggle between the two to see if that is your issue on overdubbing..
I use the Tascam US428 for small projects and when I need more inputs I use a Layla(20 bit model) Either interface works great and I have no issues at all that I can speak of.
If you feel your system is not doing what it should, email me. I live in the LA area and one of the things I want to start doing is offering services on optimizing home based studios for people. You can email me at opusdaw2k@hotmail.com
Opus