Need advice from a studio engineer

[mach1]

Im doing some computer based recording, So far im pleased with the turn with the music im recording but I need more. Im currently running ony Sony Acid music studio 7.0 on windows vista, Im pleased how it works and the extra effects and EQs it has. I also have Sonar 7 studio edition but my sound card isnt compatible which is why I purchased Sony acid. I need some sort of external sound controler(USB sound board) so I can adjust the track levers using real faders and not a mouse. are their any compatable with sony acid 7.0? and my second question is If i get an 8 channel usb interface with Zero latency will I be able to record 8 channel on sony acid or will my 8 channels from the interface be bounced to one channel on my recording program?

[trumpetguy]

You can definitely get audio interfaces that will send 8 inputs to 8 different tracks.  Expect to spend some bucks for that capability (>$300).  OTOH, you can get 2 input devices fairly cheap (some even have phantom-powering).

I don't personally do anything that involved, but I teach a class (Intro to Music Technology) in which we use Sonar Home Studio and several other programs, including Acid.  I have gotten excellent advice on the Cakewalk Sonar and Home Studio forums.  Registration is free, and there are several people there who have incredible knowledge of available hardware AND don't mind helping a newb.  Search first, that question may have been answered twenty times this week.

[mach1]

At the time being Im recording on a tascam DP-01 and from there dumping them on the computer but wha I would like to do is record some drums direct to the computer instead of going to a studio just for drums. Right now I have a Fast track M-audio interface but I hate the latency it has like most smaller ones. Im willing to spend the money I will have help from my band and a financial investor who is going to give us 2k to record our album.

[CasiUSA]

If you want 8 simultaneous tracks in, definitely prepare to shell out some cash- I was thinking more in the $2K+ Range. Most interfaces that are externally powered take care of the latency issues.

Take a look at something like the Digi 002 By Digidesign. It interfaces with Pro-Tools, does 8 tracks simultaneously, and has the manual faders. They can be had on eBay for anywhere between $700-1500 depending on condition, package, etc.

[mach1]

as far as the interface goes they can be had for about $300 off ebay or music 123.com
this http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-TASCAM-US-1641-US-1641-USB-AUDIO-INTERFACE_W0QQitemZ230212389745QQihZ013QQcategoryZ41784QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem is the one im looking at or something similar to his. * channel input usb connection with zero latency.

[trumpetguy]

If you want 8 simultaneous tracks in, definitely prepare to shell out some cash- I was thinking more in the $2K+ Range. Most interfaces that are externally powered take care of the latency issues.

Take a look at something like the Digi 002 By Digidesign. It interfaces with Pro-Tools, does 8 tracks simultaneously, and has the manual faders. They can be had on eBay for anywhere between $700-1500 depending on condition, package, etc.

One of my former students has this very box (Digi 002) and it is awesome.  They (he and his band) use it with Pro-Tools and get excellent results. 

Can't the software handle the latency issues?  I know there are settings inside Sonar for this.  Maybe I'm wrong but I've always assumed that the software could compensate for the latency of the interface (if you know what it is).   In my class we deal only with the MIDI side of Sonar (pretty tough to do multi-track recording in a lab situation).  We also have a Roland 8-track DAW that we use for multi-track recording in independent study situations.