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They both look fine. I'd buy both. You may come to use both units in combination within a short while, such as external track bouncing.
I think the 244 has the better EQ, 2-band sweepable, vs. the 414's High/Low fixed EQ. I think that's a major difference in favor of the 244. The 244 has a stereo Tape Cue buss, which may come in handy for alt-mixdowns and other uses, vs. the 414 having Aux/Eff1 and Aux/Eff2 which also switches over to Tape Cue *in mono. That's somewhat of a lesser difference, but also breaks in favor of the 244.
The 414 has more raw mixer channels, 8, but require an "insert" Y-adapter to use all 8 properly. A minor concern. The 414 has a mechanical tape counter, vs. the 244 a digital-pulse generated counter. The 414 has ability to set recording for 1, 2, 3 or 4 tracks independently, while the 244 can switch any two L/R related tracks and 4-simul,... but not "3". To a certain extent that's a minor concern, if you think about it.
The 244 mixer section has generous Access Send/Rcv patch points for all (4) channels, while the 414 has nothing comparable. A major uplift in favor of the 244. This patch point may be used during the recording and mixdown phases, alike. The 244 has 2 headphone outs, being very handy for working with a friend.
The 244 has Overload LEDs on each channel and the L/R Master buss, while the 414 has nothing comparable. A big feature in favor of the 244.
They are both metered similarly, if you think about it, but the 414 has LEDs and the 244 has needle VU meters. The 244 is self contained & the 414 requires an AC/DC power adapter, however, I've conceived that a 414 may be run off a car adapter, if ever needed for remotes. The 244, definitely not.
The 414 is smaller & more portable. The 244 more of a tabletop style console.
Probably more that I may be forgetting.
MORAL: get them both.
