Having said all said, what if the VM3100 digital mixer can be bought at the price of a, let's say, M-Audio Audiophile USB? Maybe preamps will not be in the shape of Apogee's ones, but maybe it would not be a bad purchase either...
The M-Audio pres are MUCH better. Also keep in mind the VM-3100 only has phantom on one of its pres as well. Seablade