Os X Software / Interface, Looking for getting-started advice Options

OK, I'm getting rid of the recording hardware and moving to Mac.

I record mostly live instruments and vocals. What I need is an integrated audio / midi recorder / sequencer, like Logic Audio. The 32 tracks that come with Logic Audio are plenty.

My dilemma is the number of audio inputs I will need. If I can control and record a software synthesizer with excellent drum sounds through my midi trigger pads, then I will only need a couple of simultaneously available inputs (like the mBox). If this is a tall order, then I'll need something that can handle 8 - like the MOTU 828.

I don't need a million plug-ins. Basic stuff is fine: reverb, delay, compression, chorus, and the like.

I'd like to keep the total bill under $1000.

Finally, it's gotta be OS X - I have a G4 with a huge hard drive.

So any recommendations for software, especially for a synth with great drum sounds and a lot of control (like being able to give each drum in the kit a different audio track and midi channel) would be great.

Thanks,
Jeff

Thanks, Presto.

I have mics, monitors and midi gear that I'm happy with. I really just play and record for my own pleasure and that of my friends. I won't be recording outside of my small garage studio.

I do need midi (for the drum triggers) and would love to expand into midi loops and things of that nature.

$1000 is my budget for the hardware interface (mBox or whatever) and software. Logic Audio's Big Box is around US$250 and I can pick up an mBox for $350. The rest I'll use on software synths and plugins.

Another questions: how to integrate plug-ins (like VST) and synths with Logic on OS X?