We are the music makers - producers?

May be easier to use an analogue mixer like a small Mackie as a pre-amp, sort out gain etc, then send to line inputs of an interface? Or spend more on something like the Focusrite ISA 428, which I haz and it's very nice, but pricey.

good idea.
thats what i do.
run a mackie 1604vlz pro into the firwire 410.. gives you hands on control for starters and that warm mackie sound.

you can get 1202 for real cheap.