Ok, so here is my deal, I edit video, mostly small projects, but now I have a bigger deal in my lap. Before hand all my audio was imported into my computer through my dv deck, because usually the audio was on the same tape as the video. However, now I have to deal with seperate audio recorded onto DAT tapes. Not to mention lots of different sound inputs, i have another set of tapes and CD's with different sound effects that they want me to add. Anywayz, its obvious that doing this with my current setup would be next to impossible not to mention a large pain in the butt. Here is what I'm running:
G4/500/2gig RAM/OS10.3/FCP4 w/ soundtrack, I have all but one PCI slot open (i think thats 3) and I can always get more usb/firewire ports.

Heres what i want: more inputs/outputs! digital and analog.

i like to get in touch with my analog side, so if atlall possible could I setup a physical mixer that would sit on my desk that I could minipulate the sound levels on my computer with?

the ability to send the audio from final cut pro to one output, the audio from soundtrack to another, and the audio from itunes to another?

I use my computer as a jukebox when im working on it and when I'm not, so i would like an optical output since my stereo is about 200 feet away from my computer.

heres what i will settle for: more high quality inputs and outputs, digital and analog, and the optical output for my home stereo.

I want to spend the least amount of money as possible, but I dont want that to keep me from getting a competetant system.

Any help would be great, thank you.

wow. sounds like you do what i do. heh.

i would maybe sugges a motu 828 firewire device.
or maybe a firewire 410.

that is a m-audio firewire 410 and a motu 828mkII.
both are very well documented on the internet.

those should do you some good.

best wishes. caio.

Quata-fire 610 by Ego Systems
I want one of these.

As far as a mixer to control onscreen automation, anything with sliders and knobs will work. There are a ton of different solutions depending on price and what kind of controls you want. the ppl at audiomidi.com were handy when i was researching the controller thing- they have techs who can talk to you on the phone about different control surfaces and their pros and cons.

good luck!