I guess what I'm trying to say, Cory, is that people, especially certain individuals with a propensity of just going overboard (myself included), should consciously limit themselves, especially that their actions can and do impact others, especially those that really count. It's not purely and only about gear selection and "what would you do?" type of question... I think it goes a bit deeper and is more involved. It's like someone with an alcohol addiction thinking that it's OK to have bottles in the house 'cause "I just won't touch it". It doesn't work. It's best to be away from such a tempting, rather potentially destructive environment.
I'm just trying to put together a simple little podcast and maybe do a little recording in the meantime, once I learn to play something. I think I have extreme overkill for such a minuscule project
Don't be like me! Granted I'm on a smaller scale, but I've got too much stuff that I will probably hardly ever use. It's nice to have this stuff, but in all reality, I don't need all of it for a podcast or recording an acoustic guitar or electric bass.
Sorry that was a little rushed that post, 'good mixdown unit' = a 2 track tape recorder of similar quality to the mm-1000 that you can use for mastering. Maybe a Studer A80 or something? regardless of what recorder you get, i would get one that works and has little wear. Personally, i wouldn't mind spending the extra money when i know i got the tascam mixer and mm-1000 for such a ridiculously low price.
Anyway, hopefully now you got some ideas just by reading what we would do in your situation.