I haven't used the hammerfall, but I love the 2408. I like it because
1) if I ever switch to mac, I can with no problems.
2) 8 Analog inputs that sound good
3) explandable system (by Christmas I will probably have 48 inputs just from buying another rack unit and using the same pci card)
4) Format conversion. You can convert formats from lightpipe to tdif, spdif analog in any of those combinations...and you don't need a computer to do it, but of course you can.
5) Rack mounted: I see that as a good thing in my case, I can plug everything in and leave it setup and not take up desk space.
6) Expandable in other ways, I could just buy
a 24i to add 24 analog inputs, or buy the rack unit with all sorts of digital I/O and whatnot.
7) Any software. I can use any software with the exception of PT LE, but that doesn't bother me too much.
Downside:
1) NO midi. YOu must buy something else to use midi.
2) Not actually firewire, uses 'audio wire', basically, must use the MOTU card in teh computer.
Outside of that , it rocks.
--MIKE
