The difference between live and recording consoles is usually just a matter of additional features - a recording console will generally have extra features like VU meters for each channel, direct outs, EQ bypass, etc. Some live consoles such as the Midas Venice series or the old Yamaha PM-1000 are actually highly recommended in a studio environment by many of the regulars around here (for the price range anyway). The bottom line is if the console has quality pre's, is quiet, offers true stereo separation (the channels don't bleed), and has plenty of available headroom then it will probably sound fine in a studio environment. The main thing you want to look for aside from these things (as Zoesch mentioned) is whether the console has the features that will work for you in your studio setup. I recently purchased an old live Midas console (made in 1978) and so far I'm THRILLED with the way it fits into my studio setup. I did have to make a few mods to it to get it to work in my environment, such as adding direct outs to all of the channel strips to use the pre's - but nothing too labor intensive. I hear good things about the A&H GL series used in studios and the features on these boards appear to be good for a studio environment. The last GL I saw had 5 bar LED VU meters beside the faders on each channel strip, eight busses, and all the input/outputs that you would need for mixing and tracking. Just do your research, consult someone knowledgable in the console you are considering (posting here was a great idea), and learn every detail you can about the board before you buy it and you won't go wrong.
Other consoles I would consider that can be found in this price range:
-Soundtracs Topaz
-Midas Venice
-TAC Scorpion (I like the sound of them anyway, although the general consensus around here is to "avoid the Amek stuff like it causes cancer")
-Speck
-Soundcraft Ghost
Just one word of warning - be VERY wary when considering older consoles! Have a tech that you can trust check the console out and determine any repairs/maintainence that may need to be performed and decide whether it's worth it to you before writing any checks. I was EXTREMELY lucky when I purchased my Midas - it was owned by a brilliant tech that loved and pampered it for 20 years and was in 100% working condition when I purchased it. YMMV.
-Lance