Soundcraft all the way. But, I would get the Soundcraft M12. It has great pres, direct outs that are switchable pre/post fader/EQ, and just a lot nicer sound board. It has the same preamp design as the Ghost.

But I need 16 track, I think M12 is not enough for me.
or any other 16 track mixer?
Thanks!

I have the 1604 VLZ pro and it works well for me. It has a lot of features and is pretty well geared towards recording.

The pre-amps in them aren't the best, but they really aren't that bad.

Give the Mackie ONYX 1640 a listen, and check out the features if you're going to use it in a small studio. (Preamps are a step up from the VLZ Pro series, as well.)

It's NOT a digital board per se, but it does have the firewire interface option if you want it, to let you get in/out of your computer right out of the pre's.

I've heard good things about the A&H 16 ch. (I forget the model#) as well...worth your time to check 'em all out and see what fits your needs the best.

i have and use the vlz pro and would recomend for any one starting a studio, frankly because as you get more experiance you will need better pres but you can still use the makie as a monitor mixer and it will sound good after you run out of golden pres.

keep in mind though i have not heard the sound craft, but every one raves about them, also the eq on the makie aint good, it is usable once you figure it out but most dont like it and niether do i.