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

[danml69]

One thing I like about Logic Audio is the quality of the included plug-in effects. Logic Big Box, I believe also includes a lite version of the EXS24 software sample player and demos of several softsynths, an excellent B3 organ and electric piano. The EXS24 is really cool. Its a plug-in, so you can run as many tracks with it as you like. The latest version can use sound fonts and giga samples
I just made the switch to Logic Audio Gold for X. I went with the Delta 66/ Omni Studio card and break-out box. and a midisport 4x4 midi interface for my controllers and outboard gear. The m-audio drivers for the card and midisport have been rock solid. 24bit sound in/out freaking rocks on the Delta 66. Having a good sounding preamp on the Omni was one of the reasons I went with that set-up. It also has 4 stereo inputs for sound modules in the back. 2 XLR phantom power switchable inputs in the front. Digital in/out on the card. The audio and midi hardware came to about $500. I think you'll really like Logic. I haven't heard anything about the OSX drivers for the mBox though, and how it works with Logic.