My Parents/girlfriend/girlfriends mother/girlfriends brother & sister in law (phew) have agreed to all chip in and buy me an M-Audio Fast Track Pro for christmas!!
Looks to be exactly what I need, 2 inputs which can either be instrument/line or mic input, phantom power (for when i can afford a decent mic), monitoring, and 2 inserts.
Now i'm on the lookout for a pair of free speakers to replace the ones I use at the moment - 2 speakers with a subwoofer - i find it hard to mix things properly with a woofer, they accent the bass too much. I have a lovely pair of mid 80's Tannoys with great electronics but unfortunately the cones are ripped, always on the lookout for replacements for them so I can use them again. If my application for DLA (a type of extra disability benefit) is approved, at least I'll be able to afford a pair of decent low end monitors
Only downside is, Christmas day and boxing day will be with mine and GF family, will be 3 or 4 days AFTER christmas before i can try the new toys!
The wait is going to be unbearable!! lol. 3 days spent sitting with family, who are probably glued to the TV set, I hate TV, I havent owned one for over 5 years. The 1st day on my own, trying out the Fasttrack Pro, I'm sure I won't be going to sleep till the early hours of the morning lol