Inexpensive mixer that records USB or Firewire with separate tracks?

So, a few years ago I picked up a Behringer Xenyx 1202 12 channel mixer with effects. It's actually a great little unit for use at home. I can use it as a headphone amp for my singing, record a couple of tracks, etc... but it all comes out as one single output (via Main Outs or via the USB connection). Right after I picked up my mixer, a buddy had picked up one for close to the same price could record separate tracks, simultaneously, but had no effects.

I have a Mac Mini and might as well take advantage of the Firewire if possible, but it's not required as I don't really monitor the mix through my computer... so a little latency ain't gonna kill me.

Is there anything out there with 8 or so channels, effects and can send to separate tracks simultaneously... That can be had for under 2 bills? Or somewhere in that vicinity?

Thanks in advance!

Counting inputs/outputs on interfaces can be tricky.

If you want 8 out, you need to get 8 in, so you have to make sure there really are 8 inputs you will be able to use. E.g. their count might add in MIDI jacks, which may not be of any use to you in what you are doing; and, as far as I can tell, most (all?) manufacturers double count some inputs, e.g., if they use combo XLR/TRS jacks, they count those twice, once for the low impedance XLR, and once for the high impedance use.

So, you might look at something that says it has 8 inputs, but find that in reality, there are only 2 low impedance XLRs, and 2 line inputs that you could use for input at the same time. Also, using an analog mixer to augment the inputs really only works if it has sub-channel line outputs you can feed into the line inputs. At most, those little Behringers only have an FX send you might be able to use to add one output.

Looking around, a PreSonus FireStudio Project or Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 are a couple that actually have 8 separate XLR inputs, and they start around $500.

a buddy had picked up one for close to the same price could record separate tracks, simultaneously, but had no effects.

I have a Mac Mini


FWIW, I usually record with no effects then add them in the mix. I'm using Logic now, but GarageBand has pretty much everything you'll need for effects.

I have one of each of the following:

Allen & Heath ZED10FX (USB)
Yamaha N8 (firewire)

I have one of each of the following:

Allen & Heath ZED10FX (USB)
Yamaha N8 (firewire)

Hmmm, I had looked at both of these earlier today.... Can either record separate tracks to the computer? As in, can I record guitar on channel 1 into track 1 while alos recording vocals on channel 2 into track 2? Or does it just take all of it and mash it down into left and right like a main mix?

I may be asking too much. I may just have to stick with a regular Interface.

I bought a Tascam DP-01 FX eight track about 5 years ago, for $500.00 and still use it quite a bit. I just saw a couple on ebay. They added a CD burner a year or 3 yrs later and discontinued the one I have. Then that one was discontinued, and another is being sold. I think the one I have is "The One." I think you can get the catalog on line, or find out more. I have a stand alone CD recorder that takes my mixes from the Tascam and puts them on CD. I can do tons of mixes of the same song and record it to CD that way. I guess computers can do the same. It's USB....only 16 bit, 40 gigs memory..... Mostly for demos.....Great for song writing.... layering sounds.... auto or manual punch in/out.

Last year, I bought a Tascam M-164UF (http://tascam.com/product/m-164uf/downloads/) as a Stupid Deal of the Day from MusiciansFriend for a ridiculously low price ($200? $200 and change?). It would give you exactly what you want, but, alas, it too has been discontinued. It can record 16 tracks simultaneously. I have it set up so it can record the entirety of the band set-up in my garage. I wish I had bought two. You can still get it here (http://www.amazon.com/Tascam-M-164UF-Channel-Mixer-Effects/dp/B003O7XQTS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1323192232&sr=8-2), but they're asking $499.

Personally, I wouldn't want to record with effects. I'd add 'em later with plug-ins. You could have a track template set up with the appropriate plug-ins for each instrument already installed, so you wouldn't have to set it up each time.

Today, Hello Music has the Tascam US-1800 (http://www.hellomusic.com/ec/DealMain.aspx?did=12227) for $240. I believe it too can record 16 tracks simultaneously, but it is just an interface, not a full-fledged mixer.