Interestingly enough, you won't find any documentation explaining how to explicitly connect together the devices you are using. However, audio inputs and outputs are easy enough to interpret as each...

You've actually posted the links where you can get the manuals for each of these pieces of equipment. I recommend that you read them.

X1204USB Mixer -...

While I'm sure that they can be interconnected, I would recommend that you read through each of the manuals that came with the equipment. After that, put together a concise document, outlining what...

UGH. I spent a lot of time writing a response and it has been lost (apparently) What a day.

Rather than write the response again, I keep it short.

You will not need those items mentioned,...

Those functions are not available on the 2442.

The X32 is a great looking mixer. However, the cost of that mixer, when compared with the 2442, is well over twice that of the other.

Regarding Skype not liking Firewire audio devices... If you...

The USB output of the mixer is the same as that of the Main outputs. In other words you cannot do what you are asking, if I read your question correctly. To do something like that you would likely...

I use one mic locally and 3 inputs from Skype machines. I've used the 2442, in both its USB and non-USB form, for the past 7 years. It has been a work horse.

Here is a link to a pic of my setup...

I use the sub groups to separate audio inputs, all of which eventually go to air. During my typical broadcast sessions, I like to talk to guests prior to actually going to air, but while using the...

Sure.
In one of the cases where I use the direct output capability of the 2442, there are certain things that, while, during a live broadcast, I like to hear them all the time, I only want my guests...

Another thing that the 2442 provides is the direct outs for channels 1 - 8, which can come in very handy.