I assume you want somethiing that will connect to your PC via USB or Firewire.
I'm also assuming -- since you did not specify -- that two mic inputs is good enough for now ... some recording will be done via mics, and some off the mixing board (using
line inputs).
Here are a few of the more popular interfaces to look at in the $200 or under range
M-Audio:
- FastTrack Pro
- FastTrack USB
- Mobile Pre
Presonus
- Firebox
- Audiobox USB
Lexicon
- Alpha
- Lambda
- Omega
Tascam
- US-144
Edirol also has a good reputation.
Behringer has some inexpensive units but they are generally considered poor quality.
I would look online at big mail order sites like bhphotovideo, fullcompass, guitarcenter, musiciansfriend to browse the descriptions of these and similar units. Just do a search on "USB Audio Interface" or "Firewire audio interface" and you should pull them up.
Pay particular attention to balanced vs unbalanced connectors, on both inputs and outpus, if you are planning to connect to other
line-level devices. If you're just connecting microphones to the
XLR jacks, then don't worry as
XLR is always balanced.
I would also suggest downloading the user manuals to your short list of products and take a good look at the mixing panels to see if it does what you will want.
And, if all you really want to do is to record off the mixing board, you might consider a
portable digital recorder instead ... check out wingfieldaudio.com for some reviews
I personally have the M-Audio FastTrack Pro (USB interface), am looking at a Presonus Firebox to get more output channels, and I also have a Tascam DR-1 recorder ... and am happy with all of these