How to get zero monitoring latency without an external mixer??

I read many reviews saying that you don't need a mixer in you studio if you use a software multitracking program. So, the best decision is to buy external preamps.

I have a Soundcraft M12 that i use only for monitoring. I have nice external preamps so i don't use the M12 pres. Is very easy for me route the Layla 3G outputs to the M12 inputs and connect my monitors to the M12, turn up and down faders for monitoring, add an external reverb when tracking, all of these without affect what's going on the DAW.

How easy is adjust output levels, monitoring with zero latency, control the monitor output (Speakers) without an external mixer?

Now i'm thinking about buy a control surface (TASCAM US2400). If i can get rid of that M12 to have more room for the TASCAM i'll do it.

How's your daw setup?? Mixer, no mixer? Software monitoring??

Thanks.

no mixer. software monitoring controlled by Presonus Central Station. i have a US2400, too.

Most external audio interfaces have zero-latency monitoring built in. If you are using typical internal soundcards, you probably need a mixer to provide monitoring of your inputs.

I've been fairly vocal about not needing a mixer for home recording, and yet I use a couple. But the thing is, if I was starting from scratch, there is no way I would buy a mixer.

I use Cubase SX 2 at home, with a Tascam US-428 interface. It has 2 sets of outs - main L+R, plus headphones.

I've gotten semi-used to the latency when I'm recording myself, but I've just started recording my wife and she can't hang with it. If I try to use the zero-latency monitoring, it is DRY. That makes for an uncomfortable recording environment for her. So I do this:

Rode K2 into a Behringer mixer. No EQ, no pre-amp, no gain, line in.

Left output goes to the US-428 for recording. The output from that channel is muted while tracking.

Right output goes to an Alesis mixer w/ built-in effects. Headphone output also goes to Alesis mixer. That way we can adjust the difference between vocal and backing tracks.

If I didn't have my two little mixers I'd be sunk

OK - let me rephrase that: "If I was starting from scratch, there is no way I would buy a mixer - OR - buy an audio interface that did not offer zero-latency monitoring."

A useful trick for monitoring while tracking: set up a room mic in the monitor mix, but don't necessarily track it. That gives you some real room reverb, and also makes it easy to communicate with the artist if you are both wearing cans in the same room.