Four types of pro setups

There are 4 distinct ways about setting up a high end DAW with an audio card. Knowing where you want to go is very important before even looking at audiocard's

1. Mixing with a real analog desk. None or very little processing is done in the computer as all outboard gear like EQ's, reverb compressors ect. are used.
2. Mixing down in software. An audiocard with built in or externally added on preamps with very little extra outboard gear. Everything is done in software including the mix down. A control surface for your software can be added on to give more hands on control.
3. A motorized digital mixer like a yamaha o3d,o1v ect with an adat IO board in the mixer and adat card installed in the computer.
4. Laptop setup or other stand alone recorder like a Roland VS series.