What do you think would be the best setup for me?

[sprayfe]

Hello, first off, thanks to everyone that helped me with me computer decisions. Now I'm a little curious about my soundcard setup.
I was really looking at the emu 1820 and few other similar boxes with mic preamps on the box, but would i be better off buying a perhaps a delta 1010 and a small 4-8 input mixer? I was thinking this might come in handy if i decide to mic a small kit. Anyway, i have 500 bucks to spend. THanks very much again,
Rafe

I thought this also might be more convenient for actual analog monitor controls

 

[Bulls Hit]

Yeah I reckon a mixer is invaluable.

For that money you could get the 1010, $280 and a Yamaha MG12/4 mixer for $200. The 12/4 has 12 inputs, 4 outputs + inserts and 6 preamps. The 1010 comes with 2 preamps, so your good to go for 8 tracks at once