How to adapt existing hardware based setup for multitrack with DAW

I have a Soundcraft Signature 16 (non MTK version) and various synths, external reverbs and effects and other retro kit that I swap in and out via a patchbay. This has worked great up until now, as I’ve mainly just been enjoying playing and anything I’ve ‘recorded’ has been done via midi (I’ve never actually reached the mix down stage!). So I guess that has been more of a live mixer configuration.

However, now that I’m doing more experimental stuff, I’m at the point where it is not easily repeatable (e.g analog synths that don’t save patches, complex routings etc). So I’m thinking about doing some multi-track audio recording using Reaper.

Essentially I’m not sure what is a sensible workflow, and therefore or how to use, adapt or evolve my set up to give me what I need considering that the Signature 16 is limited to 1 stereo in/out for recording.

Options I’ve considered are:

1. Record each channel one at time via the main stereo out. I guess if I want to add outboard effects, change levels or add eq, I’d need to playback though the mixer and record another take via the main out?

2. Try to integrate another audio interface. But with no channel inserts and only the 2 additional stereo out groups I’m not really sure how to go about this. Am I missing something here?

3. Record each channel at a time and mix it, add effects etc on the computer. I realise this is probably the most sensible option, but I’m still rather wedded to the idea of using my outdated and inferior outboard equipment!


4. Upgrade to a multitrack digital mixer. But I’d rather be buying more synths!:)


5. Something else completely.

I appreciate that I’m probably making work for myself by not doing everything in a DAW. But this is hobby, and part of the joy of doing this for me is interacting with all the different pieces of hardware as well as the end result.

Hope that all makes sense. Apologies for the not question, but I’d really value any thoughts, ideas or suggestions you may have.