Alesis Studio 32 or Behringer MX3242A

[Jason James]

Hi I'm in need of a mixer with 16 direct outs. I'll be using it in the studio, stage and doing live recording. It will be housed in a good roadcase to protect it. I have a Behringer 2642A currently and have had no complaints with it and its seen lots of use. Anyone know how the pre's b/t these boards and a Mackie compare? How would the Alesis work for live use? Also, I was told the Behringer's direct outs arn't balenced, if that's true how would that effect the sound quality. Thanks for the the help.

J.J.