With today's input-laden DAW systems, there's no reason not capture as much information during a session as you can — though you may never need the extra tracks, it's sure nice to have them around as safeties, as references, or as additional options during editing and mixdown. Examples include:

• Built-in pickup outs from acoustic instruments that you're miking.

• Direct outputs — using a direct box — from electric guitars and basses that you are miking through amps.

• Direct outputs from electric guitar and bass amps that you are miking.

• Both MIDI and audio outputs from electronic drumkits.

• Both MIDI and audio outputs from synths and other keyboards.

• Direct feeds from mixing consoles in live situations.