I use a mixer currently. A Depensheng DX12 - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V1D94DR?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2&th=1
Everywhere I've looked in forum threads & in general searches mention an audio interface. I know they're better in general especially for sound conversion but are they required for multi-tracking? I use 12 microphones hooked up to the mixer for my drum set and didn't realize I can post mix with Cakewalk but if I can't record each track to mic individually then it would defeat the purpose of using it as a DAW. I may have experimented with this years ago and realized it was impossible but needed some further insight since my recent research keeps bringing me to 'use an audio interface'. Would that be why they're so much more expensive Vs Mixers?
Ok, looks like I'll be needing an Evo16 then with that smart gain feature. I could always add-on to it in the future as well. Thank you all for your helpful information ☺️