I'm with Matt Finley on this.

I don't have a mixer, and haven't had one in well over a decade of digital recording. I attempted to use one, but ended up with an overloaded signal AND... it took up a lot of valuable desk top real estate. I unhooked it and plugged my mic directly into the Saffire Focusrite interface and just like that.... my signal was pristine and crystal. I sold the mixer and never looked back. With all the FX inside the box and in software, there's no need to have a mixer UNLESS you are recording more than 2 input channels at a time.

If you do record multiple inputs like you would for a band or a drum kit, then yes, I can see the purpose to having a mixer. However, for the typical one man studio, there's no reason other than because you like the look of the mixer in the room.

If I was running a commercial studio, of course I would have a mixer.

You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.