Well first, you're going to need mic preamps for any non line level tracks you use. The 882 is a set of converters for 8 line level signals. I think you're going to have to start here. Now the decision becomes whether you get your mic preamps in an 8 pack or 4's or pairs or singles. I'd get at least one 8 pack and then maybe you want to lunchbox the rest unless you have particular preamp goals in mind.

An alternative is to get a 24 channel mixing board of reasonable quality with direct outs for each channel and line inputs for the day when you DO get better mic preamps.

that's really helpful, cheers. I've also been advised that the mixing desk angle is easiest and to maybe back it up with a preamp for some other channels.

In terms of monitoring for both, erm, monitors and headphones...what needs to happen here?

In terms of monitoring for both, erm, monitors and headphones...what needs to happen here?

Yes. ;-)

You will need both. Here is the deal on monitors. Anything worth listening to starts at USD500 per pair. Those are not premiere but good. (NHT M00) A combo of good headphones and monitors (and even cheap but comfortable headphones for "talent" being recorded) can get you by until you save enough to get great monitors. The key to any monitor good or mediocre is to sit down with CD's you know like your privates and do detailed listening with your new setup in the room that it will be in. Do this often in fact as your ears will 'change' as your perception grows. Be advised you will need to acoustically treat your "control" room and recording space.

Thanks....I know I sound stupid, but where will the audio come from? Will it come from the outs of the 882 interface and do I need a separate headphone amp or will the desk power this? I know montors can be active or passive so I'll need an amp to drive the passive ones.

If you have a mixing desk, then your monitors and headphones will come out of that desk. If you mix entirely ITB (in the box) then you will assign line outputs from one of the 882's as the "main out" and another one or as many mixes as you need as headphone feeds. You'll set up aux buses in PT to send to these HP feeds. You will need a headphone amp and headphones then for each "stem" you use as the line output of the 882 won't be hot enough and won't be adjustable for volume.