And that is it in a nutshell...Whilst Mark only records one track at a time there is still a latency problem....this can only be sorted with a soundcard/audio interface...they are basically one and the same. Some connect via firewire and some via USB some are even hardwired direct into the motherboard.....now imagine the problems trying to record a live band digitally with multiple input channels....so the need for a special soundcard/interface....and Ray just to confuse you even further there are mixing desks with internal soundcards that can be plugged into a PC also..using firewire or usb.