Importing files from Tascam DR-40

Just ordered MC6 and looking to purchase a handheld recorder such as the DR-40.   I want to record our little bluegrass band on the DR-40 with built in condenser mics plus 2 sm58s plugged into the xlr imputs.  Once captured then transfer via usb to Music Creator for tweeking of the four tracks and cd burning. Am I going in the right direction? And might you guys have better ideas or direction for me?  Thanks,    Jerry

I would forgo using the DR-40...in other words, don't buy it for this purpose.

You can just as easily spend the money you would have spent on the DR-40 to buy an interface for the laptop (assuming it's a lappy) and plug the mics into the interface and record straight into the computer. 

Unless you are using midi at some point, or adding some midi drums (percussion) to the tracks it is ALWAYS a good idea to record to a click track of some sort. 

In a straight up stand alone bluegrass band, that may not be needed nor desired. But still recording straight in to MC6 is the better way to do it. Any over dubs are so much easier that way. 

Now... you do understand that MC6 only allows 2 tracks at a time to be recorded....right?  If you need more tracks at the same time, X1 essentials with the proper multi track interface is the way to go. 

Beagle has a great list of interfaces at his website.
Check here Beagle Sound - Recording Help - Sound Cards

While MC6 only allows 2 tracks at a time.... you can always multi-track other tracks.....or...

use a mixer that has enough channels for the band, and send the stereo output to the 2 channels in MC6. 

Look on Beagle's site. He has a listing of interfaces there. Ask questions as you have been doing, about the interface you think fits your needs and go from there. 

Cake might allow a return of the boxed MC6 for a purchase of X1 essential. If so, you can do that but then to get the multi-tracking ability you still need to buy a more expensive multi-channel interface.... 

I guess it depends on what you want and what the budget can handle.

I used to use some external recorders and once I started using the MC line....starting with MC4, I just loved how it all was done "in the box".

I think you will too once you start working with it.

Some bands do not like the 2 channel aspect to MC because they are limited to 2 individual tracks at a time, and the whole premise being that a band plays together and tracking one thing at a time breaks the karma.