424 mk3

[Jmfocus]

I am new to 4 tracks, please help. I would like to know what the purpose of channels 5 and 6, and 7 and 8. If I can only record on 4 tracks, where do these extra channels come into play? Where would be the best location for my drum machine? If I run the drum machine in stereo, should I use tracks 5 and 6? And can I mix the drum machine tracks down to 1 track and still have the stereo sound if I panned the
the first 2 tracks left and right during the mix and ping pong? Or should i just send the drum machine mono to 1 track and leave it like that? Thanks for your help.