Hey guys, I'm a drummer/percussionist (mostly trap set). I've found myself in a band, at the age of 23, that desperately needs to be recorded decently (not just setting a microphone between us and plugging into garage band). So, since I have some resources at my disposal, I've decided to make my initial investments.

Not to waste anyone's time, I did some of my own research. I've decided, mostly due to being on a trap set, I'd like to have 4 or more inputs for mics. I believe this puts me at wanting 4+ XLR inputs on the device I want and moreover I'll want those to be (pre)amplified to line level. Since I'm playing with a bassist and guitarist (and a violin, perhaps), I may need 8 inputs. I'd like to do live recordings of practice on occasion and I'd like to record our demo early early next year. My aI'm isn't professional, my fund aren't there. I'm working with, roughly 500.

Now, I do have some nice gear already. Mostly computer wise, though. I'll be building a rig with a i5 3.3ghz quadcore 8gig of ram and other equivalent hardware (I was thinking of booting off of a SSD, we'll see). Something I built -- so it'll run Windows 7 64bit. Other things I have: SM57 and an AKG220. Outside of this, I'm starting anew with limited funds. Again, I'm fine with the quality not being professional -- I'd just like to get some knowledge of the field, mike some instruments and do a demo. I've been in the studio several times for drums, never manning the boards in any capacity. But I am well aware how tedious this process can be.

Another thing I am interested in is a PA system for the aforementioned band. I wonder if some of the hardware I'm looking at can work as a mixer or something like that for the PA.

So, here is what I've come up with, I'm very new so please let me know what you think and make any recommendations:

Since I need the inputs: Tascam US1800 Audio Interface. I'll have USB2.0 and the mics I need.
I'll use Cubase that comes with it. I've played around with DAWs, and seen them used at advanced levels, but I'm not there myself.

Mics: AKG220 (have), 3xSM57 (have 1), SM58, and a kick drum mic (like a Shure Beta52a, or cheaper?)? Also, a condenser for mic for the violin, right (maybe the AKG?)?
Headphones: Already have AKG271ks.

From there I think I'm basically on track once I have appropriate mic stands and the like. I know ideally I'd want a separate a/d converter and separate mic preamps, but that is likely far out of my price range.

Is there something I'm missing? Anything I should consider? I'm slow to make the purchase being so new, but I'd like to get started soon. Any advice is welcome. Thanks!