big ?'s about pc recording

[the_neil_cave]

Ok, so I am looking into making the jump to pc recording- unfortunately my fostex dmt-8 just isn't doing it for me. What I am hoping is that with a little basic information you guys can give me some guidance as far as what i need...

First, the computer-
I have a sony vaio laptop, 1.0 ghz processor. Never have any problems with it.

What I want to be able to do-
I just want to be able to record directly onto the hard drive. I figure I need at least 8 simultaneous recordable tracks- i want to be able to record each drum mike separately so i can mix them each on their own, etc.

So what I am wondering is-
WHat kind of hardware do I need? Currently I just have the original sound card that came with my computer. It just has the usual 1 line in. So what do i need to have so that I can record 8 tracks simultaneously? And is it all a pipe dream.

Another question that I have is that my dmt-8 has an optical out.. is there any way to back up the different tracks on there as .wav files as opposed to having to record each track as a seperate track on a cd? I have been doing it this way, then ripping the tracks to mp3, then trying to line them up.. Anyhow, any help you guys offer would be most appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Bulls Hit]

You could get an Echo Layle pcmcia card with 8 inputs, but with only 1GHz at your disposal it will be a struggle, and those card's aren't cheap.

Do you need to use a laptop? Why not upgrade to a desktop/pci solution? You could then get an 8 input card like the M-Audio Delta 1010LT for the price of a nite on the town

 

[the_neil_cave]

that may be what i need to do- i just don't want to buy a new pc if i don't have to.... i figured thatyou guys would probly be able to give me some decent ideas one way or the other.

 

[the_neil_cave]

what about the MOtU 828 MKII? IS that the right sort of thing to use in conjunction w/ a protools or cubase?