Personally I’m pretty picky. At best I’ll use 2 mono channels. I slightly compress drums on the RYTM itself. Between the AK and RYTM going to 2 stereo channels and bussing out separately to the OT then back to the mixer
all things are mixed and sounding pretty good. The AH+FX is on the master inserts for extra glaze.
I also have my TVs, computer, turntable, slimphatty and vocoder all going to individual channels with the ability to send anything to the OT for sampling or wild fx processing.
The Mackie 1642 is almost perfect. I would love to swap a few mono channels for stereo ones.
A little tighter form too.
I would even sacrifice channels for something a wee bit smaller with all the busses.
But that’s how I’m doing it now.
If I wanted to add more synths, or have someone plug their gear in, I’d be out of room or limited to using mono channels for stereo.
I do sometimes use a nuo 2 as an alternative mixer. The goal would be to keep stuff trim and always plugged in
Seems very limited selection for mixers that fit into such rigs.
In the past I’ve definitely considered software. I just can’t stand making music with computers involved any more. I hate the way it works, it sounds, the upkeep and constant battle it offers.