Tascam 22-4 vs. Tascam 34

[markjazzbassist]

I used to have a Tascam 388 (loved it), Otari MX5050 2 track, and Teac 3340S 4 track but had a son and money got tight so i sold it all. I'm looking to get back into the game with a 4 track with the emphasis on SMALL. These are the 2 smallest tascam units (not interested in Fostex) and weight the least as well.

The 22-4 has input and output gain controls, the 34 doesn't not. I am a man of simplicity so the 34 is alluring in this way. Do the input/output controls add any noise to the circuit (would the 34 be a cleaner sound)? Lastly, in all or y'all's exerience, is it better to have the Input/Output on the Reel, or just use your mixer for levels?

Please advise.