The PreSonus M80 would
be a lower-priced contender except it's 8 channels and the line-level
input is not optimized for DI (although they don't tell you that).


Actually, the M80 does accept instrument level inputs (1mega ohm
impedance) on each channel along with the eight mic inputs on a dual
Neutrik connector. So you can plug in an instrument and it has plenty
of gain to bring it up to line level.

However, the 1/4" TRS line inputs do not go through the preamp circuit
and are routed directly to the mix bus.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Rick Naqvi
www.presonus.com
800.750.0323