Alesis 32? Damn, that's a lotta' mixer if all you're doing is recording a track at a time.
Alright, then. Here's my advice. Please follow each step in chronological order:
1) Sell the Alesis. If all you're doing is recording a track at a time, then you don't need the 32-channel mixer. My advice would be to sell it on ebay. You could probably get about $600-700 for it -- maybe more if it's fairly new and/or in good cond. You don't need lots of channels of "good." What you need is one "gold channel."
2) You mentioned you want a professional sound. Unfortunately, I don't think any of those units are going to quite get you there. The mindprint might come close, but will still fall short of that elusive "professional" sound.
3) Wait. I know it's hard, to do, but you must wait a few weeks for FMR audio to come out with the RNMP. There will most likely be a ton of reviews about it. Our very own Harvey Gerst will be putting it through a thorough test, so be sure to take his opinions seriously. If Harvey gives it the thumbs-up, then that is a very good sign. Read some other reviews and if they all seem to agree that it's a winner, then just buy it.
4) If reviews are somewhat lukewarm and divided on the rnmp, then consider these options. I've divided them in to two camps of "clean" and "colored" :
Clean:
* If you are after a very clear, accurate, and uncolored sound, then I would look at some of the models by Great River. This would probably be your best option if you have the cash.
If this is out of your price range, then just get a Grace Design 101 and be happy you saved some money and got a highly-respected pre.
Colored:
* If you are after a "colored" sound with an aggressive character, then look in to some of the Neve's. Do a search on this board for Neve and see what you come up with. If I'm not mistaken, there might be some single-channels for a reasonable price.
* If the Neves are out of your price range, or if you are just a tube freak and must have a tube preamp, then the Peavey VMP2 is probably your ticket.
* If you want to save even more money, and tubes aren't all that important to you . . . the Joemeek VC1Q is worth a look. If you want a clean sound, then just bypass the compressor. If you like the idea of in-your-face / aggressive - type sound, then dial in some of it's vintage compression, and listen to your vocals come to life.
5) Get a second opinion. I'm not experienced or knowlegable enough to tell you anything. Why did you even bother? !
Seriously, though, keep asking around. Read your reviews and do your research.
800... I wanna upgrade but its fine for now
