Do I need a mixer with 828?, Can I go through the 828 or do I need a mixer? Options

Alright, this may be a dumb and/or obvious question...

I'm setting up a new iMac 800mhz with a MOTU 828 and my question is, do I need to run vocals, miked amps, drums, and such through a mixer first or can I go directly to the 828 and then to the iMac.

If I should not go direct to the 828, will something like a basic Mackie board work (which we use for live performances so it would be a pain to dislodge it from the rest of the PA setup) or would preamps suffice?  

Thanks in advance.

www.theslowtrain.com

[damann]

audiodesk, like dp3, protools, cubase, logic etc incorporates a 'desk' otherwise known as a mixer. it sounds to me like you will want to use your analogue desk as part of the process of inputting/headphone monitoring signals to the interface, the 828.
sorry i didn't mention dp3, my only problem with it is the fact that it dosen't support vst plugins as succesfully as cubase or logic, these are the most popular plugins on the scene, are abundant and largely free!
protools is the industry leader in the area that you are interested, it's software is definitely better than audiodesk, audiodesk is just motu's version of protools, as nuendo is steinberg's.
protools is the industry standard so will give you greater compatibility with pro studios! i really think you should consider a digi001, just as cheap as the motu, allows you to use rtas plugs and protools software(free with it).
'sequencer' is really a midi term, dp3, cubase and logic are sequencers, the only reason i think you might want to ultimately get one is the fact that once you get into the computer solution you might find that virtual instruments like hammonds, rhodes pianos, clavinets, synths etc are useful, i checked your website and noticed that you do have a keyboard player in the band.
finally, the latency issue! i think somehow jimmydonny's computer is not as powerful as the 800mhz imac, minimal buffer sizes are essential for low latency but require powerful computers. your imac is powerful enough to use the smallest buffer setting, on this setting you won't percieve a delay, if the computer isn't up to the job it wont be able to handle the buffer size and will usually glitch or even crash!
peace, good luck, hope to have helped.