| $5k Budget
You didn't say: Is a computer part of this budget? Instruments and their amps are not, I'm assuming. Are you tracking a whole band at once, or one instument at a time? With this budget I'm assuming mixing ITB. One can, with good mic technique, track a band live with only 8 channels (or fewer.)
What size band? What instrumentation? Fewer channels means each can be higher quality. For instance, for minimalist classical recording I use 2 Telefunken Ela M 260 into an AEA TRP into an Apogee duet/ibook G4, with a Micro Track II for back up. Sounds fantastic, and without cables or stands comes in around $5k. With more information can come better advice. Though I understand this might just be an exercise, complete and real world scenarios will make it more challenging, and fun. Cheers, David |