Hardware mixer that controls faders in Reaper?

Hey guys, I've been using my focusrite scarlett 2i2 with reaper for years now, and I've been thinking about upgrading to a mixer. I've never really used a hardware mixer with a DAW before, so I just need some advice. -My main goal is to be able to control the faders in Reaper with the external board. -Also, if my understanding is correct, all USB mixers send the master stereo mix into the daw. The only way to get individual tracks is with a firewire interface? Could anyone point me in the right direction as far as a good mixer goes? I'd really appreciate it.

You want a MIDI control surface to simply control the faders (and anything else) in Reaper. Reaper uses a 64 bit fp mix engine. You would need a mixing desk of the quality of Neve or SSL if you wanted to keep (or possible improve) the sound quality you are used to with Reaper. Anything less (especially a small inexpensive mixer) would be a stunning and appalling downgrade! Get the interface(s) that meets your needs for inputs and outputs and of the best quality (eg. quality of the mic preamps, ADC, etc) you can afford to get your audio into the DAW and mix with Reaper. Then get some MIDI controllers to move your faders.

The Behringer X-Touch Compact is a $400 controller that is likely to be what you need in terms of external control. It has two layers, one of which is pure MIDI controller stuff so you can happily bind plugin controls and other stuff to that second layer and keep the Mackie Control Universal(MCU) mode on the first. It's out in June last I heard. The Icon iControls Pro with chrome ALPS fadercaps(~$1.5 each) is a very decent set of touch-sensitive faders too for around $300. Me, I'm leaning towards the Behringer unit and will definitely test it. That second layer should be a treat.

Zoom R16/R24 are an option. They provide basic control surface function, 8x2 USB interface, portable stand-alone operation and the R24 includes sampler stuff.

Not worth it 

I wanted to do the same thing, investigated it and unless you want to spend a fortune, it's not worth it. Also, Reaper is not optimized for a touchscreen monitor. I have a great touchscreen laptop and it's just easier to use the mouse. Just get good at using the mouse. It's less fun at first but as you build muscle memory it will become second nature. (If you've been using it for years it probably already is).

Thanks! 

If you just want some mechanical knobs, Aturia makes a nice unit for $99 that does a lot. It has 16 knobs plus 16 pads. Oui?

Or... not 

If you just want hands on control, try for a tascam us2400.