Thank you, Michael. Yes, I have been looking at the self contained units too. The only down side to them (I think) is that if you take the accumulated recorded tracks and re-record them all onto 1 single track, then they are mixed, and can't be changed. Am I right? I was thinking of recording directly to hard drive with a software program, and a small mixer in between for convenience. I figure on spending $3,000.

I will be recording acoustic instruments and vocals. I did record one song and the tech used two mikes to record the concertina in stereo because the sound comes out of the two sides. (I'm wondering if that is necessary.) I'll have to have two nice mikes if I'm going to do that.

I know it will take a while for me to figure out what the heck I'm doing, but fortunately I have someone who is interested in working with me. He's got the know how (and a great voice to boot!).

You know, it's funny, but I was wondering if I ought to be saving my egg crates. I can just see myself painting egg crates light blue with sea horses and ships. Yeah, come on over, Barry!

Margo