I have both the AETA Mix 2000 and the Sounddevices 442 in four channel mixers which I use exclusively for location work.
The AETA has a digital out option for the main outputs, is pretty clean but I have a had a problem with the mixer's headroom.
The Sounddevices mixer is an absolute gem. The build quality is excellent, the preamps sound terrific and has plenty of output options. I carry one on every assignment (sometimes as a backup).
When I need 8 channels I usually use the Audio Developments AD147 (
www.audio.co.uk) which is a mixer used mostly in the film world. The preamps are a bit "soft" and has the typical non-hyped sound brit sound. But the eq is pretty good and useful for bad rooms.
If it is a clean location i.e. no dust, I use the Cranesong Spider which is a 8 channels and has digital outs. I don't have too much experience yet with this, but the sound quality is the best of the lot.
Good luck with your search,
Baithak