Mixer / interface question

[skoora]

I grew up recording analog w/tape machines so trying to wrap my head around doing an analog mixer with a DAW. I have a Scarlet 18i20 interface.
So, am I basically running direct or bus outs from the mixer channels to inputs on the Scarlett and then assigning the outputs of the DAW Tracks to available outputs on the Scarlett to feed into line inputs of unused channels in the mixer?
I’m used to large format consoles where inputs and tape machine playback can live on the same desk channel but I imagine that’s not doable with a small format mixer and a DAW.
I thought about the Tascam model series but I believe it’s only the 16 and 24 that have analog front ends, EQ etc but on the flip side the digital 12 series is the only one that can be a DAW controller. But all of those have direct communication for recording with the daw.
Is the answer get an octo pre to expand interface inputs and outputs and just get a straight analog mixer with enough channels to include playback.
I don’t want a huge mixer because this is just for me at home but would like to leave a bunch of gear permanently plugged in (or at least use a patchbay) and eventually expand on outboard gear.
Just missing tactile recording/ mixing and totally uninspired by, in the box production.

 

[tjnx]

Is the only purpose of the mixer to provide tactile control? Not that it matters but doing it the current way adds additional AD conversion. Look into a midi control surface for your daw. Right now you don't get to save fader values on the mixer so you just wind up mixing and printing.

 

[skoora]

Is the only purpose of the mixer to provide tactile control? Not that it matters but doing it the current way adds additional AD conversion. Look into a midi control surface for your daw. Right now you don't get to save fader values on the mixer so you just wind up mixing and printing.

Not just tactile control, but ease of using inserts for outboard gear without sweating latency and not eating up interface, ins and outs and to actually even use the board’s EQ. Plugins would still be on the table within the DAW and if I wanted to automate, I could still do that still.
I had looked at the Faderports for a minute but would prefer an actual mixer.
I got briefly excited when I saw the older Mackie Onyx 1640i but its Firewire is long since incompatible with Apple (I have an M chip macbook).
Always a kick in the pants when older gear is spec’d out so much betery than much newer gear. Has 16x16 DAW track capability.