I am also looking to replace the mixer in my studio, and don't want to spend an arm and a leg since I don't plan on sending any recording signal thorugh it unless I am recording something where I need more than 8 mic pres at once (I have the PreSonus Digimax unit, which I love, btw!). I will mainly use it as a monitoring unit, and also to generate multiple headphone mixes, etc.
But since I am investing in a mixer, I want to make sure the mic pres are at least acceptable if I really need to use them someday.
My first consideration is signal routing capabilites and flexibilities (i.e. extra pre-fader aux sends for headphone mixes, etc.), *then* second is the quality of the mic pres.
Here are a couple of choices, and if anyone has any comments on them, let me know:
1) Soundraft Spirit M12
2) Alesis Studio 32 (believe it or not, they've got some pretty good reviews)
3) Allen & Health Mix Wizard 16:2DX
I guess if there are any comments, compare these with the Mackies if possible.
Thanks!