osx audio interface question

So I've been looking for a way to get a bunch of hardware synths and drum machines into my daw without major hassle unplugging, replugging and all that every time I want to record something. Right now I have a simple 2 track m-audio interface, and the most usable setup is to run everything through my crappy 8 channel mixer and just mute the instruments I don't want in a recording. This works fune, but it's still suboptimal as I'm sure the mixer is introducing some loss of quality.

Ideally I'd get a fatty 8 or 12 channel interface and bypass the mixer completely, however these seem to be absurdly expensive. (like more than 500 US). Could I just get several cheaper 2 channel interfaces and use them all as one aggregated device? WIll there be latency issues?

I wouldn't recommend the aggregated device route - will only cause problems. you can get 8+ channel interfaces 2nd hand for a lot less than $500 though! check out prices for the Edirol FA-101 (10 in, 10 out FireWire interface), it's what I use and I love it. I paid £180 for mine 2nd hand a few years ago...not sure what they're going for now but it's got to be a lot less than $500...

OK ya I was wondering about that. I need to sell some kit and mobilize some funds. Great tip on the Edirol!

do you ever use that digital input on it? I always wondered wtf those were good for.

lol nah, never used one in my life

haha I imagine that's a 90% case too. I wonder why they think that's a selling point. Maybe it's easy/cheap to do, ans lets them say 10 inputs when it really only has 8 a/d converters.