Why do most soundcards only have 2 analog ins?

[jsaras]

Why do most soundcards only have 2(analog) ins and 6 or 8 outs?

I would far rather have 4 or 6 inputs! I can\'t conceive of any use that I would have for more than 2 outs...100% of what I do is mixed to stereo.

Maybe somebody can enlighten me?

I want to upgrade from my SBLive Platinum, and I want to have at least 4 analog ins and MIDI right on the card.

I\'ve yet to find anything along these lines.

[Simon Ravn]

Because it costs money to make I guess. So you only find that stuff on mid/highend cards. The Delta66 or Delta1010. Delta1010 has 10 ins/outs. I just got an RME Multiface. 8 ins+outs.

[NativaMac]

There´s lots!
Check for Emagic Audiowerk8, M-Audio, Hoontech, Echo, Aardvark, MOTU, Digidesign... expect to pay more money than for a regular stereo soundcard. But on most of these you also get a breakoutbox with pretty good converters.
Some of them have interesting features like ADAT, mic pres... check out the websites
NativaMac