I don't really think that the t.bone brand is well known outside Europe or even Germany - after all, this brand is only distributed by a single music store in Germany, Musikhaus Thomann (even if its the, or at least one of the biggest in Europe)

But back to topic,
So you are looking for a eight-channel solution, preferably fire-wire,
you don't yet know if you want eq and comp in the signal chain before the signal goes digital.
This is a question of taste and of personal preference. I have both at hand in my home studio: It's either simple micpre, or mixer with eq and an insert, where i can plug a comp into the chain.
Usually, I record straight via mic-pre, I like the idea of a simple, clean recording path.
(If I was you, I would buy the Firepod first, then a good LDC, then the dynamics you have in mind, then better Overhead Mics.)

But that is, like I said, just my view. You got to find out yourself what suits you best.

The MicPres in the Firepod will be just fine, and you can still connect external Preamps to channels 1 and 2 (TRS Line Inputs on the back), if you feel like having one or two "boutique style" preamps/eq later.

The Firepod is quite nice but I'd personally get the new "Project" version of the Firestudio! The A/D D/A converters have been upgraded over the existing Firestudio and the preamps are better than those in the Firepod!

http://www.presonus.com/firestudio_project.html

I'd then look at getting some more mics. There are some very good budget ones around :-

MXL 960 (tube)
MXL V67g
CAD M177/179
Studio Projects B1/B3

These would give you a different tone to your SM57

cool thanks for all the input. ill defintly look into the firestudio project and the mics ye recomended. iv gotten more money recently so i can expand a little more now even. might leave off the pre amp for a while to see if i need it.

Haven't tried the Presonus XMAX preamps in the Firestudio Project so can't help there but I'm guessing that they'll be good enough! What's going to matter more is decent room acoustics where you plan to record in and good mics!

well ill be starting out just recording friends bands in their practice space. gonna build up more of a reputation recording and then collect more gear and try get a good room to record in so i wont have to carry stuff around all the time.

would there be much difference between the firepod and firestudio?
the firepod is bout 200 cheaper.

The Firestudio Project has better converters and better preamps with higher gain! I haven't heard them side by side so can't comment on how much of a difference. I would personally go for the Firestudio Project.

ya im going to go for the studio project. im planning on getting a 4 space rack and put in a drawer in it to hold all my mics and other small pieces of equipment. all thats left now is a good pair of headphones, can anyone recommend me a good pair for 100 euro

FMR pres and compressors found here
Wow...
check out this bundle with both, here.

Oktava

______________

i love the way they call them 'really nice compressor' ha ha.
they look good and great the way they can be changed into 19" racks.

im most likely going to be getting a SKB 2U rack and put the fire studio project and then the joe meek 6Q down the line or presonus compounder. looking into plug ins too for cubase, or are the plug ins that come standard any good?

mic wise, iv decided on a studio projects B1 and an audix i5, so iv a good mix of mics now but still loads of room to add to it.

thanks for all your help folks.

most of the steinberg plugins are the best IMO.
Not all are compatible with all DAWz, like everything.

happy recording

Brad