I'm currently using either a Peavey Max Bass preamp or RODE NT1 mica into a Yamaha MG 12/4 analog mixer with the separate bus feeding two channels to an Edirol UA-1A A-to-D with USB 1.1 to my IBM P4 PC using Cakewalk Home Studio as my sequencer and digital audio recording program.

I want to upgrade my converters to get better audio recording quality. I've been looking at the Edirol FA-101 or maybe the new FA-66 firewire audio interfaces.

I could upgrade just my converter with one of the Edirols using their built-in mic preamps and use the Yamaha mixer just to monitor, or go with something like the Yamaha 01X which I can pick up used for $845 Cdn. FA101 is going for about $650 Cdn. New price for Yamaha 01X is $1,299 Cdn. I don't think I'd purchase a new 01x, but the used one in a local music store has me thinking hard about picking it up to get the extra functionality.

The control surface and full digital mixer facilities, onboard DSP effects of the 01X look cool, but it is an all-in-one solution. Should I stick with a modular approach with separate MIDI interface, separate A-to-D audio interface, separate mixer or should I go integrated like with the 01X?

I only record a couple of channels at a time, so far, but want the ability to mix down my rack-mount synths etc. that are sequenced along with the recorded vocals / bass guitar etc.