choice of mixer

[seriousturtle]

for an all around mixer (used mostly for recording), what brands are best to think about, under the $1000 range?
mackie has the vlz series which i'm thinking about, and actually found a 1604pro for under $900. but i know alesis makes a few mixers as well as behringer, for a cheaper price.but is the vlz series worth the mic preamps for the price?

~the turtle