Thanks for the responses guys,

Gary, a, I'm using my studio pc at the mo - will use a laptop for live work (Windoze 7)

b, Planning to use 2/3 mics and 2 guitars, Banjo etc, and BIAB of course. But I want to be able to use the Karaoke words thingymabob - as I've a lousy memory! I'm using an outboard drive for storing realtracks drums etc.

c, Yes, I thought about rendering my mixes to wav or MP3 but I need the facility to change song keys - for any folks wanting to have a sing. (karaoke)

RE; sound, I really just want a good quality outboard soundcard, as the ones that come with the machines are pretty rubbish. And... a 3.5 mm jack - controlling my 2K pa is far too dodgy. I "hoped" to be able to utilise the firewire connection on my Saffire ( top marks for intuition Rockstar ) but I have not the faintest idea if it would be ok to do so?

So I'm still baffled!!

Thanks again, Nic