Isomer

Usb/firewire Vs. 1/8" Input

I am setting up my recording studio and
have gotten mixed messages from people. All I want to do is have at least 2 mic inputs with phantom power and volume control going into my computer. I have found the Duo by Midiman which gives you this and has a USB connection going to the computer. But there is also the option of buying a small mixing board and having its output connect to the small 1/8" input on the computer. What is considered the optimum quality recording? How are other people connecting their recording hardware to their computer? Thanks for any help.

Substitute For ACID

I have used the program ACID for its capability to sample vocal recordings, turn them into loops and layer them on top of eachother etc.
Now that I am going to purchase a G4, I need a substitute program. It seems that Ableton's live is the closest but does it even sample? I downloaded the demo and don't see this capability anywhere. I also want to be able to zoom into the sound waves and use the parallel of the eraser tool in ACID and delete pieces etc...I am not concerned with live performance--the program Live mainly advertises itself as such a program. I want to record in-studio and edit loop based music in-studio that is ENTIRELY made of my own samples. Where can I find this in the world of Macs?