424III vs 464
The 464 has 4 single channels and 2 stereo channels, which I think are refered to as 5/6 and 7/8. If memory serves me right on the 464 you have to rely on panning to assign what track the stereo channels are assigned to, but when you assign them to a track they become mono. There might be anouther stereo channel on the 464, I cant remember.
The 424III has 6 single channels and one stereo channel that gose to the master mix and can be assigned to the master section but not a single track (1-4). Channel 5 can be assigned to track 1 or 3 and ch 6 to 2 or 4. So you could use the stereo ch to bring in a CD/Keybord/Or even a outboard mixer, but I'm not sure what happens when you are multitracking and not just using the 424III as a mixer.
One sort of cool thing I'm doing with the 424III, is using it as a pa mixer and recorder, at the same time.
I run channels 1-3 with mikes for vocals and pan them hard left. I then run my left main output to the amp/speakers, and I have the pa set in mono.
Then I use channels 4-6 panned hard right to record with. What you can do is mix ch 4, 5 and 6 to track 4 and you can get a nice practice recording (in mono). Ive been using a single omni mike in the ceiling, so we could listen to our practices.
You could also add mike or line in from the pa to inhance the vocals a bit, or even put a third mike over the drums if your amps are far away etc etc.
Have fun with it, rock on baby!
My 424, according to the Fed Ex tracking thingy, should be here tomorrow, so I'm really excited!! We'll be doing some demos and I also plan to use mine as a songwriting tool as well, so I'll probably get quite a bit of use out of it, as well. Again, thanks for your reply and email me or something if you find out any cool little "tips." Have a groovy day!!