Summing amps????

[stainless]

any thoughts on these- I'm looking at the 8/16 channel units , as opposed to a stereo summing amp used mainly (I think) for mastering)?

I'm considering changing my mixing strategy to stems and using a summing amp to get a stereo mix to send out for mastering

and as they're pricey, i want to have as much research/opinions/suggestions as I can get before taking the plunge

[RawDepth]

I never used one before other than a conventional mixer. I would think that it is the same as using any analog mixer, only higher quality. Perhaps you could use the effects and EQ in-the-box and then route each channel (individually) out to the analog summing amp.

I snooped around on Google and came up with a few links that looked nice.

http://www.speck.com/xsum/xsum.shtml
http://www.phoenixaudio.net/products_nicerizer16.html
http://www.dangerousmusic.com/2bus.html
http://www.chandlerlimited.com/products/minirackmixer.php

You are correct. They are pricey. 

I suppose a search for "Line Mixer" will find the same devices only more-so in the budget range.

[stainless]

I've abandoned this idea- I'm about to get a Motu 828 mk3 and Digital Performer (yes, I'm jumping ship from proTools after 10 years)

tha't pretty much shoots my budget all to hell for a while