what do you guys use to track multiple lines into the computer and get it in there as all the separate lines

I run a tascam DM-4800 i assume you are looking for something smaller and maybe along the lines of a audio interface or pci card?

yeah thats almost exactly what id be looking for, but im not 100% sure what to get because i want it to do the right thing, i basically want to record 4 lines at once into the computer and be able to mix it all and edit it later, i saw this digital mixer with a usb port and read that recording programs all the way down to garage band can handle mutlitrack recordings but im not sure what exactly hardware i need? do i need to b uy a separate soundcard in addition to the digital mixer? anybody record this way?

Yeah, a mixer is what you should be looking for I think. If you want to record 4 lines simultaneously then a mixer would be first choice. A multi-track recorder 'might' be able to do it too, but most likely you'll end up buying a pretty expensive one where a relatively simple mixer should do the trick.

You'll need to have a mixer that's able to record through USB though. All you need is the mixer with that and software that can handle recording multiple tracks at once. The latter works with all major name software packages, like Garageband.

i found this it seems like a good deal if it will do what i want
http://www.zzounds.com/item--ALEMULTIMIX8USB

That's an excellent mixer, but it still depends quite a bit on the software you're using if it will be able to multi-track simultaneously.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=3UIXkKPnlNY

Edit2: You should be looking for a USB 2.0 version. The old Multitrack 8USB can only record stereo (two tracks at once). It's very important to have a USB 2.0 one.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=lrui3HDcQ ... re=related

thanks man real helpful. i knew there was going to be some "catch" in the way... that usb 2.0 thing..