Pre-less interface with midi and inserts (hopefully USB or PCI)

[thedude400]

Ok here's the deal. I thought about posting this in the soundcard section but I don't want to annoy anybody with what could be considered a newbie question.

I've tried both the Aardvark Q10 and a Tascam mixer into a Motu Adat interface and neither were really for me. I really like the sound of the DMP3 pre's. What I've decided I wanna do is get either an RNC and a DMP3 , or just 2 DMP3's and run them into a little 4-6 channel interface in addition to my ART pre. I was looking at the Firepod and though it looks enticing, I don't need 8 pre's so I'd rather not pay for 8. The most I'll need is five. I can most likely get 2 used DMP3's for 200 and hopefully an A/D converter for the same or maybe a little more.

So I've searched a bit and looked at some possibilities with no success. What I'm really looking for is a unit with 6-8 reasonable A/D TRS converters (PCI or USB preferably), MIDI capabilities, monitor outs, and some inserts for hardware effects (4 preferably). A Firebox is my main consideration now because I believe it fits all of those requirements but I was sorta hoping I could find a rack unit, having mounts fabricated is a pain. Not too mention it's Firewire and I would have to buy a firewire PCI unit (or could I just get one of those cheapo 20 dollar USB to Firewire converters?). I don't really need any D/A outs.

Am I being too need specific here or is there something out there that could fit into my spec requirements for my "$250/USED" budget? Is the firebox the most intelligent option?

[Minion]

Maybe Try out a "M-Audio Delta 1010LT" it has Multiple Inputs and Midi and S/PDIF.....It has 2 Mic pre"s and the rest are line in"s and it has Good quality A/D D/A Converters and multiple Outputs so you can rout your Signals through outboard Gear and it is within your Price Range at about $250 US but you might be able to find one cheaper on e-bay....

You can even Find some versions of the device that come with Pro Tools as it is Compatible with Pro-tools M-Powered and you can Have up to 4 Delta Cards in your PC at the Same time running together.....

You can check it out here:

http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_u...10LT-main.html


Cheers