desk for location/remotes

[ExistanceMusic]

For those of you that use dedicated recorders with no solo funtion, how are you monitering your inputs?
I want to build my next rig based around either a HD24xr or a Mackie HDR24/96, and I'm looking around for a good used desk to use on the way in to begin with, and then later just for monitoring as I add external pres.
Any suggestions? The basic requirments are: 24 channels min, 36 would be great for future upgrades. It needs to have usable pres with low noise, good routing flexibility with 4 or more aux sends, and LED PFL meters for line checks as well as direct outs of course.
I'm thinking something along the lines of a Venice, or a GL2200, but it's hard finding these second hand in australia. Any other suggestions? Price is flexible, but 5 or 6k AU is about the limit (hence looking for used...)
Also, I would be interested to know what other folks are using to achieve the same thing, as I'm definatly open to suggestions, but a desk is pretty much a must because it will also be used to send monitor mixes to musicians in a location situation (IE band in a house or a barn just for recording).

Cheers!

[zakco]

One thing to think about...if you want to be able monitor input signal and playback without switching mic/line inputs manually or repatching, you will need either an inline console or twice as many input channels (48) as you have tracks(24).

As far as I know, neither the Venice 320 or the GL2200 offer enough inputs for a complete 24 track record path and simultaneous cue mix.

This isn't a big deal if you are just recording live events of continuous audio. But if you require quick test playback or punch ins, you'll need a recording console with inline monitoring or live console with more inputs. This is why I've decided to go with all outboard preamps. I can bring a monitor mixer to suit whatever the gig requires. Most of the time something small and cheap will do.

Good luck,

-Z-