FireBox is coming

[PCSF]

This looks like something I would love. There is a very good
chance drivers will be excellent, since current FirePods seem to
be very stable. It's ($399 at zzounds)

http://www.presonus.com/firebox.html

[bh4554]

doesn't it seem that the firepod is worth the extra cash - in case u need those extra channels.

I've been looking at the Presonus Firepod - a firewire interface becuase it has eight xlr inputs with pre-amps. I'm not fussed about the xlr's - i'll settle for balanced 1/4" jacks but does anyone know of PCI audio interfaces with 8 inputs and pre-amps.

The pre-amps are the crucial bit here otherwise I'd just get an M-Audio interface. I can't see any problems with the Firepod especially as by all accounts it's a good build quality with some semi-decent pre's in it all for $550 if I get it from bhphotovideo.com. So i suppose all I'm wondering is if anyone knows a PCI, with a breakout box i would have thought(u'd need it for 8 inputs with mic pre's rite??!) that would do the job for me.

I need to have 4 minimum inputs with pre-amps so any suggestions would be awesome. Thanks for any help anyone can give me on this becuase I've set my own studio up before, just been using other people's!
thanks teleharmonic for that data - shows the adv of the PCI if i can find a card that fits my criteria, for around $500 or less if possible!

[PCSF]

The only one I am aware of, that is PCI and has 8 mic inputs, is
the Terratec Mic8 (but around $1000).
I think pricewise, Firepod is the best bet for 8 inputs with preamps.
I think if you can get a decent preamp to use for two channels,
then your options open up, since you can look for a unit with
only 2 pres and 6 lines(like the Maudio 1010LT $219).

[bh4554]

thanks, for your help there - am looking so much into all these interfaces it's crazy........but looking forward to hooking up my first proper studio set up...