Usb/firewire Vs. 1/8" Input, Which is Higher Quality Recording? Options

[Isomer]

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.

[Synthetic]

first, there should only be 1/8" input for an apple mic with the only other 1/8" opening being for headphones output... I really don't think you can connect anything other than a powered computer mic into the 1/8" input with good results.

you should really consider the audio interface such as the Duo you mentioned. Mbox would be another good interface with preamps. I would check on the drivers for any device you do choose though to determine if ii will work with OSX. You could also look at the interfaces without mic preamps if you have mixing board with mic preamps.