I dunno, inserts are not always available, most often you'll find some inserts used and direct outs open. Sad that you cannot run this off Direct Outs also. The way they built it this box HAS to run off inserts. and HAS to use a TRS connector. At $500 I'd agree with getting a used HD-24 or either getting the Tascam US- 1800/2000 Motu Ultralite MKIII the only one above 600 is the HD-24. The Motu is a way better unit IMHO with 14 channels I/O, 2 mic pres and FW/USB.