A decent condition 20 bit ADAT and a Mackie 1604 (or preferably an Allen & Heath Mixwizard) will get you into an 8 channel recording system that at least FEELS analog (the data is digital, but an ADAT works just like an analog tape machine). If you can't make a REALLY GOOD sounding recording on this rig with $500 worth of mics and a pair of speakers you trust, then you couldn't make a GREAT sounding recording at the Hit Factory anyway.
That being said, learning to work in the box is a huge plus when you start running out of options on the analog rig.
Another great combination would be a DAW like Reaper and a decent 8 in/8 out soundcard, and still get the mixer. Start out treating the DAW just like a tape machine, and mix completely in the mixer. As you feel a need to start using effects and plugins, do it. Eventually you'll start messing around with automation and submixes. At that point, you'll probably know enough to decide whether you still want an outboard mixer, or just some sort of control surface.
Don't skimp on your monitors.
That being said, learning to work in the box is a huge plus when you start running out of options on the analog rig.
Another great combination would be a DAW like Reaper and a decent 8 in/8 out soundcard, and still get the mixer. Start out treating the DAW just like a tape machine, and mix completely in the mixer. As you feel a need to start using effects and plugins, do it. Eventually you'll start messing around with automation and submixes. At that point, you'll probably know enough to decide whether you still want an outboard mixer, or just some sort of control surface.
Don't skimp on your monitors.
