Hardware recording is always better than a computer.
Why? Because it doesn't give a GPF-error message.
(General Protection Fault).

That's why studios use an external device to do the recording.

For my own (little) studio I use a Boss BR-8, which offer the possibility
to do a 8-track recording on a zip-diskette.

But now Boss came up with a newer version: The BR-864.

8-Track Digital Recording to Go.

The BOSS BR-864 puts 8-track digital recording in the palm of your hand. Never has so much power been available in such a small package. With features like 64 Virtual Tracks, onboard COSM (R) effects, CompactFlash media for recording and a built-in USB port, the BR-864 has everything guitarists and songwriters need to turn ideas into songs.
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* Compact 8-track digital recording studio with intuitive BOSS-style operation
* Uses 128MB CompactFlash media (included) for over 60 minutes of recording time
* 8-track simultaneous playback; 64 Virtual Tracks (V-Tracks) for recording
* Programmable Rhythm Guide drum track with Tone Load function
* Insert/Loop effects with COSM Guitar Amp Modeling and Bass Simulator, plus new wah
effects, guitar synth and Harmonist
* New dedicated track EQ for all 8 playback tracks
* Instrument/Hi-Z Instrument input, XLR and 1/4-inch Microphone inputs, plus stereo RCA

Line input
* USB port for .WAV/AIFF file exchange with PCs; S/PDIF digital output and built-in microphone and battery power for recording any time, any place

Affordable and Portable

The BR-864 is not only BOSS’ smallest 8-track recorder, but it’s also our most affordable. With 64 Virtual Tracks, there’s plenty of room to track multiple overdubs, vocals and instruments. A 128MB CompactFlash card comes standard, giving you over an hour’s worth of high-quality recording time.

Easy USB File Exchange and Data Backup

A built-in USB port makes it easy to import and export audio with USB-equipped computers. Now you can load and convert .WAV/AIFF files from your Mac or PC directly into a track, or export your song for CD-burning and MP3 creation. The USB port also makes for a great way to archive and backup recordings to your computer’s hard drive.
A World of High-Quality Effects

Thanks to COSM modeling, guitarists can plug right into the BR-864 and get killer tone every time. Simply choose from several COSM Amp Models and you’ll sound huge. There’s even a Bass Simulator that lets you lay down bass from a guitar—plus several new effects like wah, guitar synth and a Harmonist for scale—intelligent pitch shifting.
Rhythm Guide Redux

The Rhythm Guide function has been beefed up considerably for the BR-864. First, BOSS added full programmability, meaning you can tap in your own drum patterns in addition to the dozens of great-sounding presets. A new Tone Load function lets you add custom drum sounds by importing .WAV/AIFF files. Best of all, the Rhythm Guide doesn’t use any of the 64 recording tracks, so you still get eight playback tracks and drums.
Guitar-Friendly Features

While anyone can benefit from the BR-864’s portability and power, guitarists in particular will appreciate having a dedicated Hi-Z input and onboard tuner. There’s also a Phrase Trainer function that lets you slow down riffs, making them easier to learn. And since the BR-864 runs on batteries, you can take this little 8-track studio anywhere.

If you want to know more, than you can go to the site from Boss.

Their site is at : http://www.bosscorp.co.jp/en/