Digital recorder used as a monitor mixer?

Can a digital recorder like the VS 1880 be used as a monitor mixer so I want have to buy a mixer and a digital recorder?

if it has inputs i would say yeah you can use it as a monitor mixer just plug in your instruments and when ready to record press the butoons and record,

this is how i use to do it be for i got my mixer, i needed more inputs so i bought a 12 channel mixer, and run it thru my vs 880 i only use two in puts till i start to record then i bounce traks thru all 8 tracks.
hope this helps