I have been recording on hardware systems for a long time, but I decided it was time for me to jump into computer recording using this Alesis mixer. As far as the mixer itself, I am VERY pleased with it. I am not a computer expert, and I set this up in about 10 minutes with no problems at all (the software prompted me through each stage of the install). I also loaded Cubase LE onto the computer (again, painless install), Cubase prompted me to ask which interface I wanted to use, and I selected ASIO Multimix, and I was up and running. I checked out the help menu in Cubase LE and I was recording in minutes! The sound quality of the Alesis mixer is AWESOME...SUPER clean and rich sounding. I also loved the fact that I could print the EQ from the Alesis board to my track. I tried a few of the Cubase plug ins, and they were just OK, not great, and I got some clicking on some things...I realize that I have to experiment with this stuff, so that didn't really bother me.You can also use the effects that are built in to the mixer, but of course I don't normally print effects to a track. If you DO want to print effects though, these sound pretty darn good (the "Halls" are especially nice, and there are other useable pre-sets as well). The Cubase software is kind of confusing to me, so I don't know if I will just use this with the software that comes with it, or get something easier to learn (like Sonor?). In any case, I love the mixer. Sounds great, easy to set up, and has a nice, solid feel to it. Highly recommended!