"m-audio Firewire 410" Or "egosys Hexa-fire"?, audio recording Options

[connstellation]

Hi,

I'm very much new to audio-recording. So my question is: "What do I need to record a full Bigband?" (+-18 musicians) I already have a Powerbook 1,25 Ghz and Cubase SX.
But now... "M-Audio Firewire 410" or "Egosys Hexa-fire"?
Do I need 16 channels in from the Hexa-fire, to record the bigband or is 2 enough from the M-Audio? I did read something about "Behringer ADA8000 Ultragain Pro 8-Channel A/D D/A Converter" but don't know what to do...

Thx for the help

Brecht

[boze]

it would be good to know your budget- that would help narrow down your options and other ppl's suggestions as well.

it's a tall order asking for that many xlr inputs with mic pre's. i was over at audiomidi.com and it looks like you're right to choose the hexa-fire as it has the most xlr inputs by far for that price ($799us). but i doubt you'll be able to get around the submixer idea with 20 mics.

how about a hexafire and something like this: http://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHUB2442FXP

that looks like a lot of pre's and routing capabilities for $299

take a look at this link for a pulldown that shows a good pic of the back panel as well: http://www.americanmusical.com/item.asp?UI...m=BEH+UB2442FXP

looks like plenty of independant output options. maybe something like this and a MOTU 828 or some soundcard with a nice mix of xlr and 1/4" inputs and you could use those direct outs from the mixer (maybe the sub outs too?).