what about skipping that and getting the fostex fr-2le and running mics right in
Another good, and simple, option. I cannot comment on the stock pres in the fr2le, but it seems folks like them. Both the Oade Brothers and Busman Audio offer pre amp mods, which may help better match the pre sound to the mics you plan to use.
If you want an Oade mod. box ('warm' mod. suggested for the AKGs), you MUST have bought the unit from them to have them mod. it - either at purchase or later after some use. With Busman ('vintage' mod. recommended), on the other hand, you can buy the box stock from anyone/anywhere and still have him mod. it for you at any time. Considering the deals going around, you may want to ebay score a stock unit and see how you like it before deciding whether or not to have it modified. But, Busman will be your only mod. option unless you buy the unit from the Oades.