mackie 1604 vlz pro to extend I/O on 002?

[blind iris]

I am thinking about buying an 002/002r and was wondering if the mic pres on a mackie 1604 vlz pro would work to expand the number of input channels w/ mic preamplification. I've read about the presonus digimax and the octopre (?) and I don't necessarily want to buy either of them if I don't have to. I can't see myself needing to record more than 8 track simultaneously. Also, are they worth a damn? Anyone with any suggestions/knowledge please shed some light. Thanx.

[LurkerAtTheThreshold]

The Mackie Pres are fine. You can get better for more money-big news. Go ahead and get the mixer.

[South]

The mic pres on the board are awesome. Very clean and low noise.
I'd invest in a different area before I buy a new mic pre amp.