Thanks JC. Since I posted my original message, I researched this topic a lot and came with similar conclusions. The top two candidates are the Yamaha unit you mentioned, and there is also the Tascam DM-3200. My analog mixer has 24 faders, and I use them all during band rehearsals, so I am not totally happy about only having 16 faders, but I *do* understand that I can get access to more faders by a single button press to show me the next 16, from 17-32, although I will only have 16 line/mic inputs. I also found this brand
www.argosyconsole.com that makes beautiful consoles to integrate the Yamaha or the Tascam.
I may decide to upgrade and get the new Tascam DM-4800. It has 24 mic pres / line in, and 24 physical faders, as well as 8 analog send/return instead of 4. In a sense, it is like the Yamaha 02V96 ($9,200 street price) but at $4,999 list price.
I'll post about what I wind up buying. BTW, how is the control surface working with PTLE? I do have the 002R