I have a deal going where I will be recording live sound at a local venue and have access to all the feeds from the mix board, a 32 track. Needless to say, not all tracks would be used on the mixer. Looks like, um, about 12.
Why would you run a 'multitrack' and only use less than half of the channels? That makes no sense!
Set up a stereo pair of mics on-stage, maybe a stereo pair of mics further back, and get a stereo matrix feed from the board.
I hate to say, but if you are looking to multitrack, you are heading in the absolute wrong direction using only SD gear. A Protools setup would be ALOT cheaper, allow for way more channels, and be WAY more versatile.
It makes plenty of sense if you know the venue: it is a live situation. You can only mic so much in a quartet or quintet. Last night for example: mic each for guitar, bass and harp. Three on the drumset and two vocal mics. That's eight. The board
does also run ProTools. The SD gear is an additional option. And it gives me the opportunity to bring it all home and learn how to mix multi-track. I am just now finishing up a four track of a local choral group: two omnis on the choir, two side-by-side cards for the soloists. It came out very well and I am quite pleased. The choir director will be, too. It is better than the first one I did for them.
I want something to record with that I can carry easily, records well and is solid. Laptops are only so rugged and will rarely run as long off batteries as an SD recorder. And then there is the entirely personal thing: my wallet, my choice. I am sure the laptop and ProTools is a better route
for you and would encourage you to pursue what you think works best for you.
The way I choose to go is not for everyone. I have a small mic locker: five mics. All very good ones. I have a few pups too, but depend on the five good ones for almost everything. I would rather buy top of the line gear and be done than trade my way up to top of the line gear. I had a cash windfall that made that possible and rather than spend the money on foolish things like getting my house painted and redecorated I bought recording gear. I sure am glad I took the sensible route.
The maintenance can wait. I've got taping to do!