I do have an ALSA mixer and tried that. I have Jack (qJackCTL) and PA working as well on this system.
After exhausting those parameters, I actually tried WINE (latest) and managed to reinstall the 1st generation drivers, and it is "almost" working. In other words, it is functioning finally, but the signal is really low. That is with several mics.
I can't install the 2nd gen drivers/ software with WINE, so I'm going to try using a Windows machine, hopefully Sunday and see what happens then.
If that doesn't work, this thing is up for sale for a Windows or Mac user.