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ed What I do not understand is why you want mixer hardware ed

Having the board itself is very helpful in adding mic pres (in a
project studio where my mic pre selection is limited currently), zero
latency monitoring of tracks while recording (big plus), and
summing/routing headphone mixes (to my headphone distribution system
for monitoring while tracking) -- as well as the "unforseen" events
where a piece of equipment such as this will come in handy.

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ed "are considered" ed

Yes, my 'are considered' remarks are a reflection of opinions that I
have read and heard. I am a newbie compared to the experience of the
posters on rec.audio.pro, and I value your opinions -- whether or not
I make practical use of those opinions is my discretion, right?

I have listened to the products that I can, and I find that the
differences are hard to detect at some degree -- BUT I am also finding
that the longer I use equipment, and the more experience I gather, my
hearing becomes more sensitive and my tastes more refined. I am
leaning on the experience of the posters of this NG to give me their
opinions because my listening skills are still developing. I am
hoping to jump over the learning curve a bit by using your wisdom and
hopefully parlay that into a longer period of relevance for equipment
that I purchase.

I'd love to go out and fill my mic locker with U87's and Telefunken
products to run through an SSL board connected to a custom built
monitoring system ... but that doesn't make sense for me at this
period. However, getting experienced opinions on a piece of equipment
that I consider to be moderately priced is very useful.

Thanks!