newbie question here--

trying to get back into recording--took a few college classes back in
the day. and I'm thinking I'll go the digital recording route this
time. my question is, what would be the advantage of having an
external mixer (say, a mackie 1604 or such) and the q10, which already
has "good" premaps (from what i've read). I want the flexibility of
editing certain things on the computer track-by-track, but I'm used to
using actual mixer knobs and such. Would using an external mixer give
you the benefit of the better preamps on that mixer?

And a broader question: what are some alternate setups to the q10, for
digital recording? (i would be recording bands w/drums [and overdubs
thereafter], so id need 8 inputs at least)

very newbish question, forgive my lack of knowledge. directions to a
suitable link/book/etc also appreciated!