What high quality soundcard to connect a mixer/pre to?

[Andelusion]

Hey guys, i'm currently using an m-audio audiophile 192 (basically a fancy 2496 soundcard) with a 2 xlr input m-audio 'audio buddy'.

The sound isn't fantastic to be honest i'm starting to look for better equipment.

I'm going down the Mackie mixer route, as I use my PC for recording i'll need an interface with 1/4" TRS inputs that'll connect from the outputs of the mixer (right?).

I've been looking at the M-Audio Delta 1010 (http://m-audio.com/products/en_us/Delta1010-main.html) which i've read people recommending, however it only has 8 1/4" TRS inputs which is much better than what I have now but i'm looking for a mixer with probably 12 inputs at the least, but if there isn't a similar soundcard that is close to the price then it'll have to do.

Does anyone have any other suggestions? The only thing putting me off the M-audio delta 1010 is the fact I think the software with my current m-audio equipment is rubbish, the delta 1010 i'm looking at is pretty cheap at £299 ($526 USD).

Thanks!

[btangel]

is there a significant diff. between teh Delta 1010 and the delta 1010 LT? Other than that it's much cheaper.

edit: do you record through a mic or straight from a preamp?

[Andelusion]

Hey btangel, well the 1010 LT doesn't have the rack unit with the inputs etc.

I mic up, i'm looking for as many inputs as possible as i'm hoping to start micing up my cabs with more than 1 mic to get more dynamics and depth etc, i'm also starting getting into keys and am buying one for my birthday around around april so will need as many inputs as poss.

I've been looking at the Motu 2408 MK3 aswell.

To be honest I don't know much about this recording lark and am still searching for an excellent forum specifically for audio recording

[red5]

I'm using the $100 Audiophile. I'm quite pleased with it for what it is (a cheaper sound card) and there are numerous sound cards that cost twice as much and put out far inferior sound quality.

I assume you are looking for something really good. Yamaha makes some good soundcards for recording in the $300 range, maybe one of those will suit your needs. Or a RME Hammerfall or a DIGI96/8 PAD.