Well ok. I dont want to go much past the 500 dollar range. I want to be able to record into my Latop for live shows or home use, and use the same system in my studio on my larger computer to record bands. So I require either USB or Firewire interface. I dont want to get a system that requires a proprietary pcmcia or pci card, becuase I want to be able to hook it up to anything. Thats why I bit my lip and passed on a Layla 24 w/ pcmcia for $275 Also I want to avoid bringing a sub mixer to shows for 1-2 mic applications.

I will be useing PC's not macs.

Anyway I really want the best sound, possable. Heres what I've been looking at. My pro's and cons for each.

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PreSonus Firestation:
http://www.PreSonus.com/firestation.html
Pros:
2 XLR with switchable (on/off) true tube preamps, good reviews on the sound.
8 inputs/outs overall
Reasonable price
Rack Mountable
ADAT Compatble
Can daisy chain several units together for up to 40 channels. (Can you do this with others too?)

Cons:
48khz Max recording.
I see compatability problems with MAC's. Not an issue with PC's though

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PreSonus Firepod:
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Firepod/
Pros:
8 XLR / 1/4 inputs w/ preamps (Non tube)
96khz Recording
Rack Mountable
ADAT Compatble

Cons:
No Tube Preamps
Mopre Expensive

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Edirol FA-101
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FA101/
Pros:
10 Channels (2 XRL 8 1/4)
Preamps for chan 1 and 2
96khz (10x10 mode) 192khz (stereo)
Smaller portable

Cons:
Not expandable
Low latency instead of zero latency
not rackmountable (I could make it work though)

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I really do like the preamps in the Firestation, but It only records at 48k max and I would want to use this for my pro studio also.. How big of an issue is this?

What are your thoughts on the best device for my needs?

Thanks!
-Josh