I think the way I will go is a tabletop (component) recorder with an inexpensive mixer and the mikes I have with my 4 track tape recorder. The mixer will hook up to the audio inputs on the recorder, making up for its lack of mike inputs, and will also give me more flexibility in balance, etc., on input. I think I can also get a component recorder with digital output.

BTW, Circuit City carries a Sony two-slot CD player/recorder which could probably also be used with a mixer as a kind of portable studio for sessions and jams. I haven't checked the specs, but I assume it might offer high-speed dubbing as well as straight copying. I think it was in the mid-$3C range. Another possible advantage is that it might record without compression. Its footprint was about the same as a VCR, but it was only about 2.5 to 3 inches high.

One related question: what's a good multi-track music editing software program for Macintosh? One that I can afford, that is.

--seed