Note that it operates on the basis of having channel selector buttons, and a single value-select knob, rather than the R-44's individual knobs-per-channel. In fact off the top of my head this is the first unit to take that approach. That of course makes for a more compact design and may well be cheaper to make, but in use, do people think they'll have a problem with that approach? Eg you see channels 2 and 4 overloading, but you can't just grab their faders and adjust at the same time - first select 2, adjust, then select 4 and adjust.
Also the knob appears to be push-to-select (more or less required by this kind of design). I wonder therefore whether having selected the level you want, and then you push to select it, whether the transition is smooth or sudden? I guess it presupposes you'll be working at conservative levels and 24 bits and not worrying too much about getting things dead right and gain-riding during the show.