multi track recording (software or hardware)

i'm sure this is how most people here record music so i have a little question

i have used software multi trackers, but i've only ever had a sound interface with one stereo in

so when i record i lay down a beat stop lay down another channel , stop

just wondering if it's BETTER to have a sound interface with more channels so you can record multiple instruments at a time

from my experience there's an endless way to make music and there's no wrong way but i'd like opinions

just bored i guess :/

i have a 16-channel roland edirol m16dx. i record everything i can live, multitracking. it saves time and is fun. i use yamaha rm602 instead pf the virtual mixer it comes with, though, as it's 6 i, 6o (pretty rare for a small mixer) and sound great. dem analogs.

I've a 6 mono/3 stereo input audio interface and I have to say I've never actually needed all the inputs simultaneously for recording. I might occasionally use the mic input, I might occasionally use the guitar/line input, and I use the rear stereo input for ripping vinyl, but I've never had to use more than one at once - everything else I do is midi i/o so there's no need for me to have multiple analogue inputs.

I record alot this way. If you are jamming live and affecting all elements as you go or controlling multiple gear with one controller then you can get back some of those interactions if you only record one element at a time. I use a Focusrite pro40, 8 ins, 8 outs (well, it has loads more but 8+8 of the same ilk)

Saying that, I do end up re recording seperately as you can have total control over that one element and get more ideas from it.

Basically, best of both worlds. But yeah, definitely get an interface with multiple ins and outs. Also good for for firing multiple tracks from daw out into gear for colouration.

I've got a 10 in 10 out soundcard and can record multiple tracks at once, but usually i still just do once track at a time...just works for me and keeps things simple during the recording phase.