I saw
the onyx 1640 at the guitar center and its a pretty nice compact mixer. I admit, it is nice and the price is the same as the 1604 BUT you have to get the FW card separate. The sales guy was leaning towards the 1640 since I want to be able to record my mix on to computers, like everyone does these days. I left the store thinking the 1640 would be a pretty sweet board because I wouldn't need anything more, all 16 channels could be routed to your computer with one wire using trackton.
Another thing I like is the fact that each channel has its own phantom power button, unlike the 1640...if that means anything to you.
Anyway, since I have to get to work soon, I'll cut to the chase.
The firewire card does not do +4db, but the board does.
Look at the specs of the card and the board and compare it to a analog board (1604 v. 1640, ex.) before you make the switch, if the specs mean anything to you.
What I wanted to do before knowing about the 1640 was get the 1604, use the echoaudiofire12 and record to the computer that way.
However, audiofire12 has just 12 ins and outs.
Anyone know any work arounds about this?