Question:
Please, just straightforward responses! You may ask any further questions, just not off-topic.
Requirements
-6 simultaneous tracks to computer (preferably all XLR)
-at least one mic pre
-Firewire or USB
-cheap as possible
-extra features/packaged software doesnt amuse me
-portability doesnt matter
-used is fine
Find me one, thou loyal bargain shoppers. Go.
Answer:
If it was me, I'd get this, and one of these.

The mixer, you should be able to get for around $150 plus shipping, if you're willing to watch and wait on ebay for a month or two, (if you do, watch for an M-2516 used too). It should be the only mixer you'll need for some time.

The mixer has 16 great sounding Mic Pre-amps with XLR in's and 4 sub groups, as well as 8 tape returns, (I think).


The Delta 1010lt is a pci card with breakout cables. I have one, it works great. It will give you 8 simultaneous inputs to your computer, from the 8 direct outs on the mixer. Both mixer and soundcard have rca ins and outs, so hookups are a no brainer (mostly. I'll explain further if you like).

Tascams are solid, good sounding mixers, and inexpensive used. They are mostly designed for recording.

You said used was ok, this is what I would do.

If you're looking for an all in one unit, then this won't be your cup of tea.

But it is CHEAP, will sound GOOD, and it will give you a lot of simultaneous channels.

Of course I'm assuming you are running a desktop computer, not a laptop.
Answer:
USB or Firewire, no PCI cards. I'm running on a MacBook. It would be nice to have a desktop for recording, but I dont...I need mobility to SOME extent. I have no problem carrying a mixer and a card, I DO have a problem carrying a tower, keyboard, mouse, cables, and monitor.
Answer:
Get a used firepod...around 350.
Answer:
The Firepod or 8pre are really your only options if you want 6+ xlr ins without any extra gear (mixer or external preamp).
Firepod is 300-350 used
8pre is a bit more expensive coming in around 400-500.
Answer:
The firepod is obviously the most simple and popular choice. I'd love to have one. They sell for $499 from MF and Sweetwater...but the Alesis MultiMix 16 Firewire has 8 pre's and more channels with L/R plus the control surface of a mixer for $399. What makes the firepod better than that? Surely the quality of pre's cant differ that much.
Answer:
I haven't heard the pres on either, but I'd be willing to bet there's a difference. IF not in the pres than probably the A/D converters.
Just to be clear, the multimix is not a control surface. It's a live mixer with a firewire output. It will record the channels individually, but they will be post EQ and post fader (meaning any change you make to the live mixe will be changed on the recording). The knobs will not control anything on screen like a control surface would (for instance, the Mackie Control Universal would do this).
If the multimix is going to work for you, then go ahead and get it. Don't worry too much about the gear and start making the music.
Answer:
The faders on the multimix do actually affect the faders on the screen and volume on the recording. I am willing to be that you're right about the EQ though...it doesnt control it onscreen.
So i'm fairly sure that i'm going to go with either the multimix 8 or 12. Any objections or thoughts on that?
Answer:
I bought my PRS guitar off of Craigslist so I decided to give it a shot with this.
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/msg/285384131.html
What do you guys think? I'm not afraid to buy non-locally...I did it with my PRS.
Answer:
go for it!
Answer:
Go with what you feel best. If you're set on a multimix then go for it. IF you want a firepod then do it (the price is definitely right in that listing).
Answer:
I'm probably just about the second or third to worst person on earth about flip flops.
I PLAN on ordering the MultiMix tomorrow. I'll let you know if I actually press "submit order".