I am considering a rack mounted board to add to my home/hobbyist
project studio supplementing my Digi002/PTLE rig. I have a Behringer
UB2442 (yes, I know I know I know … but it was only $150) that I am
completely dissatisfied with sonically, but having the board itself is
very helpful in adding mic pres, zero latency monitoring of tracks
while recording, and summing/routing headphone mixes – as well as
other duties as needed.

Now I am ready to upgrade this piece, and am willing to consider any
product that will fill the bill at or below $2000 (my wife says the
less expensive the better, but what does she know?? yes dear). I
have looked at the A&H MixWiz 14:4:2, the Mackie VLZ 1624, but I know
that there are products at this price point made by SoundCraft and
other manufacturers that should be considered as well.

I have searched across the NG for information regarding what I am
looking for, but my specific application doesn't seem to have been
addressed. I am concerned primarily with mic pre performance. I have
a single-channel outboard pre for critical applications, but when I
have a multi-mic function (i.e., a drum kit, or horn section, or small
ensemble, etc., etc.) I would like to have a board that is going to
give me pleasant mic pre performance, while still giving me the
routing benefits of having a separate analog mixer. Issues that
aren't of grave importance are EQ performance, built in effects, and
effects routing – since this is carried out during mixing with my 002.
What IS important to me is mic pre sound, direct outs, a moderate
level of signal routing capability, physically quiet operation, and a
rack mounted form factor.

So … I know that opinions are like a**holes, but I open the floor to
you guys. I was leaning heavily toward the A&H unit, but have found
that their mic pres are generally considered noisy and not as
transparent as the Mackie's -- but I have found the Mackie's are
considered to sound a bit cold and harsh. Now, I don't consider
myself a ‘professional' studio per se, but I do consider myself
somewhat of an audiophile (with a budget) and would like to extend my
services for profit at some time in the future. So with all of these
things in mind, your opinions please …

Stan