SSL Nucleus v. other control surfaces - opinions?

[Circuit Scream]

I'm currently using a Tascam FW-1804, which I'm actually really happy with - but I need a control surface (and/or) mixer for my DAW (Reaper/Windows).

Wondering if I can take this as an opportunity to upgrade my sound, so I'm looking at the SSL Nucleus as an option since I'm more comfortable with an analog workflow.

These are the options I'm considering:

A) SSL Nucleus (either with or without my existing interface OR the Antelope Audio Orion 32)

B) Tascam US-2400 with an Antelope Audio Orion 32

C) Tascam FW-1884 with two additional FE-8 fader banks


Any experience or opinions on these would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
-Donnie

[brew]

Why do you need 32 outputs (Orion)? Also, Orion doesn't have mic amps.

You generally can't use two interfaces simultaneously, so in example 1 you'd have to pick one or the other, potentially limiting the Nucleus to just a control surface and monitoring.

Nucleus is perfect for mixing ITB, but people with 32 outputs generally aren't doing that. As a surface-only, the advantage it has is customizable shortcuts.