Well, the question is what you expect to get out of them.
The Finalizers are 'el cheapo mastering' devices. They basically contain EQ, multi-band compression and limiting and D/A + A/D.
The 96K also seems to have some enhancers and stuff.
When you want to 'finalize' your mixes in your studio, forget about EQ. The EQ in mastering studios is there for fixing slight problems and inbalances that are caused either by your ears, or by your monitoring situation. As you the realize, you have no use of this EQ. Make sure it sounds good in the mix instead.
The same go for the enhancers. If you have a single sound-source that sounds to dull, an enhancer can be nice. But on a mix? No, sorry, if you need it, there is something that is so wrong that and enhancer won't make much of a difference.
A/D+D/A:
This is good if you mix to analog, but make digital masters (which you probably do). Of course, you need something to take that digital signal to your computer, like and S/PDIF in card or something.
Compression/limiting:
This is to do three things, add punch (if you use a lot of it), up the apparent volume of the music (if you are more discreet) and make sure you get rid of any nasty tops (the limiting).
A three band compressor is very useful for this.
So, your cheapest option is the Express, which costs $1000. And what you get out of it is a compressor, and MAYBE a A/D converter (if you need that)
Well, you can get awfully good compressors for $1000. I've been told that an RNC (for $175) will do very nicely to add punch or increase the level on a mix, and then $1000 does seem like paying a bit too much, not to say the $2000 of
a finalizer 96k.
(OK< just read your other response, and the answer then definitely is: None. If you only need to compress the mix, get a fantastifuckingly good compressor instead.)
