Mixing console/DAW controller

[Jt06]

We all started somewhere and although I'm not new to recording or using pro tools, I am new to Consoles/DAW controllers/Mixers. Used one everyday at the studio i interned at, but that was obviously a professional studio. so...

Goal/What I want: Replace my audio interface with a mixing console that does EVERYTHING my USB interface does, (but with more inputs of course). Record/Headphones, Mic inputs, MIDI, Monitors hooked up. Sounds fine right? Here's the part where I seem to get caught..: I ALSO want it to mix with to REPLACE the mix window in protools. I want to use the actual console/board to write/latch automation, pan L/R, Solo/Mute tracks, and have it used/saved in Pro Tools. Using a keyboard and mouse gets frustrating very quickly. (I know alot of you understand)

Question: Can I find a unit out there that will do all these things for me? OR, although I've been told "you MUST have a DAW controller to Mix, Automate, etc", can I use any USB Mixer/Interface, even if it means additionally getting a certain software, or cables, or drivers, or something? Please be as Detailed and clear as possible because evidently I don't know how this stuff works, that's why Im asking. THANKS A BUNCH! SORRY FOR THE LONG A** THREAD!
P.S.- If i had $10,000 to just toss away for one, I would just hire someone to come out and install a prof. one in my basement lol!

[JoelG]

I'm quite happy with my old M-Audio ProjectMix IO, but I couldn't recommend it for anyone using Mac, as the drivers haven't been updated in a long time (and wont).

Here are some recommendations for you, although I don't have first hand experience with any of them:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SLMAD32
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SLMAD16
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DM3200
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/01V96i
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/X32

Personally, I wouldn't touch Behringer gear, great feature set, horrible quality.

Joel

[albee1952]

It will get really expensive really fast to cover everything you mentioned. The only consoles that offer direct connection with PT are(AFAIK):
SSL with a 3rd party box that couples console to PT
Neve Genesys Black
Audient ASP8024
None of these are inexpensive and all use HUI protocol, which is somewhat limited. Personally, I would go for an Avid D-Command with a fader pack and mix in the box as the control surface gives you control closer to a console, but is very tightly integrated into Pro Tools

[reichman]

Get an Apogee audio interface and the Pro Tools Dock. There are devices out there like the old 003 that combine audio and control surface functions, but it's usually a compromise. Better to build a modular system where audio and MIDI are handled by one device, and control functions by another. If you're serious about Pro Tools, ICON or EuCon control surfaces are the only way to go. They have very deep integration.