Yep, the 424 it is not in a critical recording path and is only really used as a glorified patchbay. I did try A/Bing it against a bypass to check for signal deterioration and it was OK (though I doubt it adds anything other than the ability to listen to multiple sources with out having to unplug stuff).

This may also be due to the less than Stella acoustics of the room it is all in or a combination of the Alesis monitors (not bad but not the best by a long shot) and the rooms acoustics.

I keep all the trim right down and figure that as a desk the 424 will be at least as good as a cheap Behringer !

Im always looking for ways to improve my set up so please feel free to point out any week points !