Hi all,

First time poster, long time lurker.

I want to say a general thank you for everything I've learnt while lurking and hoping you may be able to help me find a solution I'm looking for.

Basically I'm setting up a podcasting/broadcasting studio.

I originally had two objectives:
1. Record each channel separately (for post production)
2. Record without the computer (due to length and show format I want to minimise risk)

So I was thinking something as simple as some mics and a zoom H6 or such and away I go (Zoom H6 as I want portability as weel). But while I'm planning a lot of in person recordings, I've realised skype will become a huge part of things, so I need a mixer or an interface.

There are plenty of options out there that I'm aware of, but they seem that they would meet only 2/3 of my preferred requirements.

1. Record each channel separately
2. Record without the computer
3. Skype

Then I got to looking at firewire options like the Mackie 1220i etc, and thinking I could record each channel on a computer and a back up recording of the mix on a digital recorder. This seems like a good option but I have read many mixed reviews on the firewire and in particular the gain levels brought across to the computer.

So finally I started to think about a mixer with direct outs. That way I could run each channel into a input on the Zoom H6 or R16. There are several (slightly more expensive) mixers from Mackie, A&H & Soundcraft with this functionality as well as the Behringer Xenyx X2442USB which I believe is very popular around here (and dropping in price now that it's superseded). Some like the A&H MixWizards have multichannel usb output which would give absolutely everything but at a price.

Anyway my main questions are:

1. Would direct outs work in this manner? Most podcast "experts" I've spoken to lately aren't experienced with it.

2. Can you suggest any other solutions for say under $1k that would all me to Record each channel separately, Record without the computer and handle multiple skype calls?

Until I found this forum I've heard very little positive about Behringer mixers but I'm probably leaning towards the Behringer Xenyx X2442USB (which I can actually lease for a few dollars per week) simply to test and trial and then upgrade down the road if need be.

Any input would be greatly appreciated and apologies for the long post.