Sound recording, playback - card, application?

[Michael Hipp]

I got "volunteered" to be head sound man at our new church. After one 
day it has become obvious we need something more sophisticated for 
recording and playback of services than a simple cassette deck. So I 
plan to put a Linux box in the sound room.

Card: I need a sound card that will deliver good quality (similar to 
say, 128kbps mp3) on recording and playback. It will need to take a 
stereo input from our 18-channel sound board. Any recommendations?

Software: Also, what software you anyone recommend for recording and 
playback? Any reason I shouldn't just record to mp3?

I've never done much with sound under Linux so I'm somewhat starting 
from scratch. I'll likely use RH9 and a medium-powered processor in a 
system rigged for silent operation.

All ideas / advice appreciated,
Michael