too many variables there

one is USB and one is firewire (FW)
one will work with ProTools M-powered and one comes with Cubase ai4

one has 2 XLRs and the other 4 XLRs
one can only record 2 channels at once ... the desk looks like it might be able to record more but I can't know how many for sure

The desk looks like it will work as a stand-alone desk and the other is obviously an interface

the interface does have a midi I/O
and offers " near-zero latency hardware direct monitoring "
the desk should be able to route in such a way to provide similar

the desk ... ? ... is well ... a desk ... and has effects and EQ's ... with a hint of USB record

the other offers 24 bit recording ... I think this is worthwhile
also offers 96k but I think you can live at 44.1
...
the other is only 16 bit with either 44.1 khz or 48 khz sampling frequency

and there are probably more differences

these products are quite different

the software you want to use
the number of required simultaneous recorded channels (the drum kit)
may be the most important influences to the final choice

I don't like the look of either but would lean to the M-Audio only because I am a ProTools user

Yea there are alot of choces, But id say get a M-Audio Fast Track Pro, there good for portability and you can have two insterments recording at once or less if you prefer, or one insterment and one mic. And two MIDI inputs. List price around $199.00

But if thats not enuff there is a Fast Track Ultra witch can record up to four insterments at once, or what ever variation of insterment or mics you please. also with two MIDI inputs. List price is around $350Buks

I own both. I use the Ultra, I love it.
But either should be more than enuff for what your looking for, And the fast track pro is cheaper than the M-Audio FW410 and is pretty much the same thing.

Oh and both of these interfaces are compatable with mic chords and guitar cords, in each input.(you can pretty much put any kind of cord in any hole on these devices, super conveniant.)

Thanks alot for the detailed replies.

Okay so at the minute i'm swayed towards the FW410.

I use cubase at the minute, however i've heard alot of people favouring pro tools over it, and the only reason i dont use it at the minute is because i dont have an m-audio interface.

The reason i chose the desk as an alternative is because i thought i might perhaps get a better sound with the pre-recording EQ options? Or would this be completely over-ridden by EQ controls on pro tools or cubase?

And Kev what would you reccommend as an alternative?

The eq on a "desk" usually doesn't go to disc. Depends on the unit. Just make sure that eq is pre-fader if you go that route. Otherwise a mixer really isn't necessary.