Upgrading system

I have been using Sonar 8.5 for a couple of years, and would like to improve the quality of my recordings.
 
In a previous thread I got some excellent advice about treating the room, mics, effects, etc. It was very helpful. I am in the middle of a renovation to make a better home studio, and do some soundproofing, room treatments, etc.
 
Once I am finished I want to upgrade my gear, as currently I have the most basic set-up, basically my lap-top,software, and some good instruments/gear.
 
Question #1:What I would like to accomplish initially is to be able to increase the number of individual, controllable tracks I can record at once. My interface (UA 101) has 10 in/outs, but needs some sort of amp to push the inputs on the back of the unit. I was considering buying a Mackie/ Behringer type powered mixer, there are a couple with 8-10 outputs, so I can record the whole band live off the floor through the mixer, and then use the outputs to the back of my interface, giving me individual control of each track.
I have also seen some Presonus Firewire i.e 2626 that seem to also have multiple outs, but it seems hdifficult to get a good read on exactly what those products can do.
 
Any comments on these items, and am I on the right track? I am a bit of a newbie with all the outboard gear.
 
2nd question: I am also upgrading to a desktop PC to increase RAM/flexibility. My computer guy is saying that alot of people are getting away from Firewire and going to USB 3.0. This would mean a complete change of Interface for me, but if it is worth it, I will do it. Another option would be to stay with my software/interface, as I have gotten very used to them, and hope my increased RAM would stop my audio crashing ( this happens with my Laptop).
 
In your experience, should I be able to record a whole band, with good RAM (6-8 Gigs) and not crash, with USB 2.0?
 
I know this is alot questions but I welcome your responses.
 
Bluesguy.

May I suggest that you spend $40 to consult with Jim Roseberry at Studiocat?
 
I recently replaced an old Creation Station with one of Jim's computers, and there's no comparison.
The cost was more than reasonable,and there have been  no issues at all.
He's a class act, and very helpful and easy to talk to; everything he's done has been top-notch and Bristol fashion.
 
Jim  installed  and authorized Omnisphere, Trilian, Jamstix, Komplete 9, Alchemy and Melodyne for a very modest additional charge...
and everything works, which is a new experience for me.
 
I'm also staying with Sonar 8.5.3x64, which has works fine for me. (Studio One 2 is waiting in the wings, so to speak.)
 
I'm also staying with my  Steinberg MR-816x which punches way above its weight, so to speak, and is the best of the four interfaces I've used as Firewire isn't dead just yet.
 
 
Tony S
 
 
 
 
 

Yes, Jim's in the US.
 
Try www.studiocat.com.
 
Tony