best way to go protools hardware wise?

Hey can anyone help me out with this?

I'm considering going into pro tools, I'm not sure where to start.

I was looking to buy a nice allen and heath or soundcraft console, and a tc electronic d2 for effects, then i thought, maybe it's good to go into the future for multitrack recording...

I'm looking to mix and record individual tracks for an mpc60, microQ, and jx10, and apply real time effects, so I can know what i'm working with, I have an aluminum macbook(without firewire)...

What can I do to get me in a multiple input rig, that I can control mixing digitally, and all effects(i'm realizing software really is the way to go for effects, it's just f'n expensive buying all hardware, it also might be nice to work in 2012...)

I know I can get pro tools 10 for $300 with educators discount...What about hardware wise? what can I get that'll provide me quality hopefully 16 inputs via USB2?


Any help would be greatly appreciateed....

but let me know if you think it's a bad idea to use the computer for the mixer, and track everything. previously i'd just record 2 channels, might be nice to record a bunch of stuff and get things smoothly functioning with dope plugs:-)

thanks in advance.

I'm a noobtastic, I didnt' realize pt9 and pt10 you can use any hardware...

What's your budget! There's a new UAD Apollo interface that looks SWEET!

http://www.uaudio.com/apollo

Otherwise, RME makes good shit! I also heard great things about the Motu units which can record up to 28 channels simultaneously: http://www.motu.com/products/motuaudio/828mk3/i-o.html