Exhausted - Don't Know What To Do Next, Alesis HD24XR, and MacPro Dual Quad Options

[dad4mad]

I've had so many recommendations that my head is going to explode, and yet I'm still asking for help - [size="4"][/size] begging for help.
I have an Alesis HD24XR and a brand new MacPro Dual Quad, 3TB/16GB RAM.
I used to have a Dell, and after fighting this thing (that's why they call 'em workstation) I finally gave up, took out my drives, threw it down the stairs, then went online and bought the Mac.
I don't want to invest in cheap bottom of the line stuff, but don't have a lot of cash after buying the Mac
I am in need of help finding the right interface (or sound card) and the right software for the Mac.
I've been told ProTools is good, but I want to move 24 tracks, so do I need to spend a ton of money
The M2...whatever only does two tracks.

Help i am lost!!
I'm an old school analog guy, wanting to get into the DAW age...

[dad4mad]

To all,
Great responses, and i appreciate the info. Deacon had a lengthy reply was was very very helpful.
I record solo artist all the way to church choirs. Typically drums/bass/guitart scratch tracks then over dubbing for better individual track performance.
I spoke with Chris Kramer at Sweetwater, and got some great help.
I've heard the pros and cons of each software package mentioned, and decided last night to go the ProTools route, with the PT MBox2ProFactory with Pro Tools LE
my friend's studio in Nashville uses Pro Tools, and even though many of these other s/w packages clain to be able to integrate, I decided to go with what some say is the 'industry standard'
I've used Cakewalk in the past, and used to have a Roland 2480DVD DAW, automated, etc., but I think the HD24 with the HD24 Fireport (which I already have) will suffice to get the data to my Mac.
Then I'll just go through the gyrations of getting better with PT.

Appreciate all the responses, glad I joined.
Thanks again!
Rock on (if that's your genre...)

[gdoubleyou]

To all,
Great responses, and i appreciate the info. Deacon had a lengthy reply was was very very helpful.
I record solo artist all the way to church choirs. Typically drums/bass/guitart scratch tracks then over dubbing for better individual track performance.
I spoke with Chris Kramer at Sweetwater, and got some great help.
I've heard the pros and cons of each software package mentioned, and decided last night to go the ProTools route, with the PT MBox2ProFactory with Pro Tools LE
my friend's studio in Nashville uses Pro Tools, and even though many of these other s/w packages clain to be able to integrate, I decided to go with what some say is the 'industry standard'
I've used Cakewalk in the past, and used to have a Roland 2480DVD DAW, automated, etc., but I think the HD24 with the HD24 Fireport (which I already have) will suffice to get the data to my Mac.
Then I'll just go through the gyrations of getting better with PT.

Appreciate all the responses, glad I joined.
Thanks again!
Rock on (if that's your genre...)

Not quite correct PT|HD is the industry standard not to be confused with PTLE, Apogee symphony setups are starting to show in studios in my region as a cost effective, and superior sounding replacement for PT|HD .

[deaconblue]

dad4mad,

welcome to the forums. You'll find the biggest and best resource here to be the incredible member base which you have joined and their willingness to jump in and help out.

Glad you are moving along the path. Don't let the 'stuff' get in the way of the Stuff. The music is the thing regardless of how you get it to disc. Good luck with the PT setup. And don't let the learning curve (there will be one no matter what package you decide on) get to you. This site is an excellent resource for the gotchas and there are plenty of tutorial sites available as well (MacProVideo springs to mind) to help get you started if you need more in depth ramp up assistance.

cheers!