What do you use to record?

[jeremykeys]

I also posted this on another page. I'm really looking for help.

Hi there! I'm looking at making the big jump to multitrack recording on a computer.

For several years I'mve been using a a Yamaha AW16G recorder but it's old and it now is time to upgrade. I've considered a few options but none of the dedicated new recorders do everything that my old machine does. Also, my Yamaha is pre USB! It does have a CD burner in it. The new Tascam doesn't allow for panning, compression and a few other things on the tracks that you have recorded. This makes mix/down a problem.

Sooooooo! I'm thinking about getting a laptop, muliti channel inter face and or a mixer. I can't afford to go Mac even though I would like to. The reason for a laptop is so that I can record live drums at my drummers house. I live in an apartment and have to watch the noise levels.

What are any of you people using and what do you think might be good for me?

I can get away wiht a minimum of 8 mic inputs, preferalbly XLR.
Phantom power is necessary because of the mics that I own.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance
Jeremykeys