🚀 go-pugleaf

I'm not sure if you're really interested in this...but it's definately
an option...most likely for less money than beefing up your PC!

Get your hands on a used Atari Falcon...
I've seen them go for as little as $400 used!

This machine is ready to do 8 to 16 tracks of digital audio (CD
quality and better) direct to a SCSI disk with no extra hardware.

Since you most likely already have a good VGA monitor..all you'd need
would be a good SCSI drive (which you'll need with any HD recording
system) and software.  You might have to do about $50 worth of hardware
patches to the Falcon (most of which you could do yourself for a few
cents) that consist of changing out a hand full of resisters in order to
get the audio performance to music standards.

Basicly with a Stock Falcon you can record one stereo or one mono
track at a time, and play back as many as 8 stereo (logicly 16) tracks
at the same time.  Of course you can hear all the other tracks (of your
choice) while recording.  With a stock Falcon...all the audio is mixed
and sent out of one set of stereo ports.  Optional software is avilable
to give up to 8 analoge outs...and there are some on the way that will
allow up to 8 inputs (meaning you could record up to 8 tracks at once).
Depending on the software...you can digitaly, nondestructively mix
down any of this data, and digitaly add FX.

There are a few options where software is concerned.  For music and midi
applications there is CuBase Audio.  For straight multi tracking (more
like an analoge tape in operation) there are several options.  You
can add additional hardware as your budget increases if you like as
there are lots of neat things avilable such as a digital interface
that lets you go full digital to your DAT machine (even back up your
hard drive!).  There are tools to press your own audio CD's avilable.
A variety of boxes that give you more/better audio inputs and outputs.
For the price...it's VERY IMPRESSIVE!

I got a Falcon about a month ago for less than I could have set up
a small 4track casset system!  Since I only do small projects, building
my music one or two tracks at the time...relying alot on midi...the
Falcon eliminated any need for a mixing console.  Basicly, I posted
a note in comp.sys.atari.st that I was looking for a Falcon, and CuBase
Audio...waited paitently...and eventualy I came across one in new
condition for less than $1,000...CuBase included.  Next, I ordered
an I-Omega JAZ drive for a little under $500.  Then I hunted for
a monitor system so I could hear all this beautiful gear.  I hooked
up my trusty DPM 4 synth...and now I'm mixing midi and audio with no
need for a mixing console, no need for expensive smpte boxes, tape
transports, none of the "track stealing for time code".  All at better
than CD Quality!

Brian