I am a complete beginner at recording – so go easy and explain any technobabble...

I took the plunge last year and decided to start recording the brass band that I direct. I purchased a Zoom H4N recorded with this for a while, then purchased two (match stereo) SE4’s. I have been using the SE4s at the front of the band in and X-Y configuration and recording to the zoom. I get better results than using the zoom on its own.

I have made my fair share of naff recordings, but when recording rehearsals of my own band – it doesn’t really matter, and great practice for me.
I am having a few problems with my recordings; I am not getting a good percussion sound (percussion is at the back of the band), I don’t get the bass sound i would like (located at the back just in front of percussion), I am also not getting the “sparkle” I would like especially from the higher instruments.

Bearing in mind Im not in a position to throw loads of money at a new system, but I am looking upgrade over time to get the sound I want. I only really get involved in brass bands, so if I can tailor my system to that setup I would be happy. I am under no time pressures.
I am keeping the zoom unit, as it will still be very useful for analysing contest performances, where I am unable to set up any system.

I would like to pick up the percussion and bass sections with additional mics. I also think that the higher end, cornets could do with a different type of microphone, spot mic-ing the two sections.
My first challenge has been to decide on a system setup.

I have a very powerful Laptop (T510 with a 1TB SSD Hard drive and stacks of RAM). Some years ago I was given a copy of Adobe Audition 1.5 which still seems to work with windows 7. I don’t particularly wish to cart round a mixing desk and a multitask recorder, so was considering an audio interface.

After a great deal of reading I was considering the Focusrite Saffire Pro 40. I was thinking that I could use it with my SE4’s for a while until I get familiar with it, and add further microphones over time.

Does anyone have experience of this interface, is it looking the best / most cost effective solution for me and the application?

Also anyone have ideas about overhead Micing of percussion and types of mics for brass band (BBb Basses through to Cornets). I am not wanting to go silly with I/O. I think 8 track should be sufficient. I am not looking to do “professional studio” recordings. My activities involve live concerts, rehearsals and possibly the odd demo recording of the band. In any case I am looking for a very natural sound – possibly going down the DECCA tree route.

Anyone with Brass Band recording experience would be ideal, but any informed ideas would be appreciated,

Thank you