All,

Like many of the people on this board, I'm interested in upgrading my studio equipment -- but only if I have to. My problem is that I'm not really aware of what's out there and what I might want or need.

Right now, I'm recording on a PC using SONAR 4 Producer Edition. I've used Cakewalk for years and it works well for me. I have a MOTU 2408 mkII and a MOTU micro express (Parallel) to which are connected a Korg Triton Pro and a Yamaha MU-80 (old school). I have a RODE NT1A that is connected to a Mackie 1402 VLZ Pro mixer/pre-amp. For monitoring, I use two Alesis M1 Active speakers (which don't exactly give me the sound I hear on othe radios).

That's my set up now. In the near future, I plan on moving and building a home studio in an environment that suits a home studio (acoustically treated, sound closet/booth, etc.). I can't figure out if I'm good with the type of equipment that I have with some upgrades (e.g. Focusrite preamps and effects processors, new Korg or Motif, new MOTU equipment, etc.) or if it's useful to have the type of stuff that is used in professional studios (e.g. 24 track boards, lots of equipment, etc.).

Do I really need a 24 track board if I'm using SONAR on a high-end workstation? What are the tradeoffs?

My goal is to get bank for buck. I'm not happy with the sound I get now and I'd hope that with a better studio that I'll end up with a better sound.

My style of music is primarily pop / r&b - mid-temp and ballads. I'm a pianist and I produce my own stuff and don't typically buy beats from others (though sometimes I wonder if I should).

I suppose what I'm really looking for is a sort of description of an ideal set up that allows me to produce stuff that is close to what's heard on the radio without spending "professional" producer money. Any and all ideas are greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
Talib