Newbie Needs Advice!, software/hardware setup can't decide Options

[mook noodler]

First of all, Hello! I've been looking around in here for about 3 hours now and I'm really impressed. This is one of the best forums I've been to and seems to be the most helpful. Now that my nose is well browned...

here's my situation: (and I don't mean to repeat other topics but there's so many that I'm overwhelmed!!!) I've been recording music for the past 3 years or so on a PC with Cakewalk and Cakewalk Sonar. I like Sonar, but I got so sick of PCs that I went and got myself a PowerMac dual1.25 G4 with OSX. Now I needs a new setup. I record guitar, bass, vocals, and keyboard and drum machine. I have a Midisport 4x4 for midi, but I'm definitely not a midi whiz. I also have several outboard effects (delay, compression, etc) that I like to use.

At first I leaned toward the Digi 001 cuz of all the I/O's, but this forum has me thinking Logic or Cubase, which leaves me pretty confused about a hardware interface. I don't think I need a mixer type thing (already have a mixer), but I'd like something with several I/O's for sending tracks to outboard effects, and I'd really like a breakout box. I just need basic plug-ins but would like to be able to add more later. Softsynths would be cool too.

Hope I didn't go over the top w/ details. Any advice/input would be greatly appreciated, and I thank you all in advance! PS: my price range is about $1200.

[PlasTree]

I own a MOTU 828 and have been very pleased with it's quality and reliability. Plus it's semi-portable, which can come in handy. It will work with just about any DAW program, except for Protools, of course. It has 8 analog ins and outs (2 xlr, 6 unbalanced phono), plus 8 channels in/out of ADAT and 2 of SPDIF. It's 24/48k, so if you want to record up to 96k, you could get the MOTU 896, which is a bit more expensive. The 828 can be had for $700 nowadays.

I wouldn't recommend the Digi 001, unless you want to use Protools (not a bad move at all). The 001 has inferior dynamic range compared to other products in its price range. It does, however, come with the daw software. I know you can use Digital Performer and Logic with the 001, but there's little point in getting the 001 just for the hardware. Technical stuff aside though, my studio collaborator owns a 001- we've never had any problems with it, and the sound quality is just fine.

Aside from those offerings, Presonus just came out with the Firestation, which has very similar specs to the 828. I have a friend with a Presonus Digimax preamp, and it's really good for the money. I don't have any experience with the Firestation, however.

Those are the products that I know of off the top of my head, although I'm sure there are others in that price range. Do a LOT of research before you buy! It's always worth it.