Noob Confusion - Audio interfaces

[Deeder Pool]

So here is my question: When I use an audio interface (say the FireStudio Mobile FireWire Audio Interface) the specs say that it has 10 inputs, does that mean that I have 10 separate channels on which to record in my DAW?

Can I have a drum kit, bass , guitar and vocals all hooked up to it and have each channel record to a different track?

Or am I looking at the wrong piece of hardware?

Any help on this will be much appreciated

 

[crankz1]

Yes, when it says it has 10 inputs, it should give you those 10 inputs as individual channels into your DAW. The software you use as your "DAW" should present those channels to you and allow you to assign them to independent tracks.

However, one needs to pay close attention to the I/O for the interface they are looking at.
The Firestudio thingamabob you mention, lets break it down:
Just by looking at it ...
It's got-
8 analog inputs, two of which (the front ones) have mic preamps
2 digital inputs via spdif
2 digital outputs via spdif
2 (possibly 4 if the headphones are independent of the mains) analog outputs

The digital I/O is of no use, unless you've got some digital gear to connect.
As it sits, you can hook up two mics to that unit. Leaving you with 6 line level inputs on the back.
Got 6 keyboards or some V-drums?

If you wanted to hook 6 more mics up, you'd need a mixer or stand alone preamps.

Main point, understand the inputs and outputs (I/O) of an interface.
There's many shapes and sizes, but it boils down to just two. Analog and digital.
Digital I/O requires other digital gear, to make use of.
Not all analog inputs can one just plug a mic or guitar ... etc into. Other gear may very well be needed depending on ones needs.
What exactly are your needs? (rhetorical question)
What other gear do you have? ^^^^^^^^^^