probably

go with the firepod. better pres and you can, i believe, stack up to 4 units. at $399. it is very hard find a better value.

Firepod....if you buy it new on ebay you will get an at2020 an hp4 and free plug ins....like a sore pecker you cant beat it!

I've used and recommend the Firepods (you can link up to 3) and can vouch for their preamps and ease of use. For the money, they are tremendous.

As for the Alesis, I haven't tried it, and therefore cannot advise either way. However, you can mix "in the box" with greater flexibility than with an external mixer, with less fuss/muss.