Signal Processing for Tracking/Mixing/Mastering

[WildFrog]

Oh, forgot to add -- 5-10k is budget for outboard purchases right now.

[Audio X]

Sounds like your in the right direction with the 2500.
Maybe also see
API 5500
Foote P3s
Roll 755
Smart C1 or C2
and Dangerous BAX

Also having decent conversion is a plus

[WildFrog]

Thanks. We're running PTHD using two HD192's. By "decent" conversion do you mean something better than this, a la Apogee, CraneSong, etc.?

[mml]

A cranesong trakker for clean, a pair of distressors for dirty, bass, drumbuss versatility, and a vari-mu for mastering and gooey-ness.

[psycho_monkey]

A nice mixbuss chain would be my priority - the api is a good choose that would also be good for tracking, but any stereo compressor that you like also fits the bill - manley, ssl-style, and so on. Next priority would be a mixbuss eq - I own and like the hammer, but if you have the cash a massive passive would be a more versatile option and also good for tracking. Gml if you like super clean. Api less flexible but a good option.

On top of that, I'd look at some good mono compressors for choice sources - 1176, distressor, or similar.

Converters - all the above will make more of a difference. Once you have that in place, converter upgrades might be appropriate.