As a keyboardist this is the perfect mixer. 8 channels, every one stereo. 1U rack size. Very simple. Very basic. Very good sound. Great solution for someone using a lot of keyboards. But with a DAWless setup I feel like I need more knobs to turn. At least some effects sends. Maybe a master filter. I’m really think about reducing my setup to a DTii, ST and a Jupiter XM. or a 707. At that point I don’t need 8 stereo channels. Should I keep it simple (stupid) or branch out with a mixer with more control?
Why not move up to the Ashly MX-508? Still 8 channels (always nice to have more than you need), but you get nice EQ for each channel and a couple of effects sends (one stereo, the other mono). It has a stereo 1/8" input as well, which is great for live shows. There is no master filter, but I can’t think of any smaller mixer that has one. A new MX-508 is pricey, though really good deals on used ones seem to come up regularly.
With going to only 4 stereo inputs it’s opening up to DJ mixer territory maybe.
I recently made the leap from a Samson SM10 mixer (which would be similar to your Ashly mixer) to a Korg MW2408 - which is way more channels than you’re looking for, but I started to find the 1RU interface feel really claustrophobic.