simple mixer question

[antispatula]

Hey, I'm new to recording. I've got a mixer, FINALLY. So I'm new to mixers. It's a peavey, and has 16 channels. I want to use an 8 track reel to reel. Someone told me my mixer won't work well for recording, because I have no islolated cue monitor. Can someone explain what this means? If I'm not mistaken, isn't that just used for overdubbing? The signal is sent to headphones, right? If so, what do I need to to this? I have "monitor" out, and each channel has a monitor level.....isn't this what I use? Thanks for helping out someone that doesn't know what they're talking about!

[Massive Master]

The monitor level can go to a headphone mix - But unless each channel on the board has its own direct (tape) out, it isn't going to do you an awful lot of good for recording to the 8-track deck...

[gullfo]

if your mixer has "inserts" on each channel then you can use those to output to the recorder and the other 8 channels as inputs from the recorder.

an insert cable consists of a tip-ring-sleeve plug on the mixer side, and a pair of tip-sleeve plugs on the "effects" side. one is the output (send) and one is an input (return). you want your mixer send to go to the recorder input. use the channel trim to adjust level to the recorder as most inserts are "pre-fader" so you cannot use the channel volume to control the level. basically this will give you a clean signal to the recorder.

since you have 16 channels, you can use the other 8 channels as the "mix down" side... take the out of the recorder into these channels. with this set up you should invest in a patch bay so you can easily switch things around since during mixing you're likely to want more than 8 channels available for effects returns and so on.

[Track Rat]

What Peavey do you have? While they're far from ideal, I used one for a few years with an analog 8 track. As mentioned, as long as there are inserts on the individual channel strips, you'll be OK.

[antispatula]

ok I get it thanks!