Exhausted - Don't Know What To Do Next, Alesis HD24XR, and MacPro Dual Quad Options

[dad4mad]

I've had so many recommendations that my head is going to explode, and yet I'm still asking for help - [size="4"][/size] begging for help.
I have an Alesis HD24XR and a brand new MacPro Dual Quad, 3TB/16GB RAM.
I used to have a Dell, and after fighting this thing (that's why they call 'em workstation) I finally gave up, took out my drives, threw it down the stairs, then went online and bought the Mac.
I don't want to invest in cheap bottom of the line stuff, but don't have a lot of cash after buying the Mac
I am in need of help finding the right interface (or sound card) and the right software for the Mac.
I've been told ProTools is good, but I want to move 24 tracks, so do I need to spend a ton of money
The M2...whatever only does two tracks.

Help i am lost!!
I'm an old school analog guy, wanting to get into the DAW age...

[philflood]

This looks like the hot ticket:

Alesis Fireport 1394 Firewire Interface ADAT/FST


There are also ADAT to Firewire interfaces available. You might consider one of those.


As for software, I use Logic. It was a fairly easy transition from Cakewalk. I had an early Mac ProTools system, and did not care for it, but it was probably since the computer just was not very capable. I just don't see that one get thie money's worth with ProTools systems, versus the price of Logic.