Mixer that outputs individual tracks to PC

is that the multimix 8 firewire?  there are 2 versions of the multimix units, firewire and usb.  from my memory, the USB ones only record 2 channels (main outs) and the firewire ones record 8 individual and 2 main out.

also from what I remember, the multimix 8 usb doesn't even have their own drivers - they use the USB Codec.  very poor implementation, IMO.

I also remember that there were problems with the multimix 8 firewire drivers, but that was some time ago and that may have been resolved by now.

how about the mackie onyx mixers?   the 820i?  it seems like any of these mixers are going to have driver problems... i guess that is a common issue with most of these firewire mixers....?

To expand on Beagle -

the N-12 is well respected for sound.  It is actually a digital mixer, but the reviews and forums seem to love it.  It does have comps on each track, but they are digital. 

The R16 is also much beloved.  It is a analog mixer that outputs and recieves digital, so you have the analog EQ when recording and when mixing.  I haven't heard anything bad about the conversion, but nobody raves about it like the Yamaha. 

Unless the price has dropped on the R16, it should be more expensive.  You do get analog mixing w/ sturdy A&H Eq on each channel, and as you collect analog hardware you can add comps etc.

Those are the only two mixers w/in reason I'd use.  The Audient 2802 is cool, but no conversion and considerably more expensive.  However, it is a bang up control surface too.  The Roland Cake VS100 is a great system, but not a mixer.

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some solutions within budget.
First you will need a good quality 8+ input audio interface.

1- Use a FOH mixer with inserts on all channels and simply patch them out buy inserting a standard patch cable 1/2 way in and running them to the interface. This will give you a clean, unprocessed feed.


2- use passive splitters ( Y cable) Don't laugh. I have never noticed any terrible audio degradation or hums.
Below is the better way to do this/ it uses isolation transformers just like a DI box. 




3- Use a mixer with a 8 channels or more matrix mixer or aux sends.

All in one mixer solutions in the budget end of the price spectrum  won't be worth you money. Spend the big bucks or as above. There was a guy posting using the complete Roland digital system and even he had issues.

What if you used something like RME's Fireface UFX? It's supposed to have some serious DSP mixing capabilities?

 
The Fireface UFX would be a great solution... (even affording the ability to record directly to a USB device)
I'm guessing the $2100 cost is a bit more than the OP is looking to spend (considering the Alesis unit was mentioned).
 
@OP:
Checkout the Allen and Heath "Zed" series mixers.