16 channel mixer to 16 channel firewire mixer to pc??? has anyone done this?

[rockironwebb]

supernewb here again. I play drums and am recording seven drum mics with an alesis firewire with minimal problems now. My band is starting to grow to be more complete and although I have the 16 channels to work with, after my drum mics, I only have one xlr input with the gain knob. My main goal is recording all drum mics and each individual bandmate onto seperate track while jamming without having to keep stopping and making adjustments every time someone stomps a pedal or adjust a knob. When just jamming with my guitar guy we run from him, to pedal, to mixer and then out to his amp (don't want to mic amp due to small space and bleed, and am looking into DI box) I am able to PFL his signal, set his track volume, and we are pretty much set to just jam. Now with more bandmates I am stuck using the 1/4in inputs with no gain knob, however, I also have a 16 channel Behringer mixer that is going unused. Would it be unreasonable to put it to use and run Bass/vocals into the behringer using the gain set, and then into the Alesis? Have I confused everyone? Please let me know your thoughts.

 

[diggy_dude]

Does the Alesis have a pair of bus inputs? That would be the best place to add a second mixer.

 

[JimmyS1969]

Definitely. Pan two inputs from the Behri L/R and send the main outs of the mixer to two of the line inputs on your interface. I used to do this all the time before I purchased preamps for my line inputs.

 

[rockironwebb]

The alesis does not have bus inputs but the behringer has L/R main ou as well as sub 1 and 2 out, so I was hoping to maybe just kind of route things using the behringer as a kind of preamp, 4 seperate channels. main L and R and sub 1 and 2. I don't know, may seem like a bit of a hassle, but like I said the behringer is just a paperwieght right now, I was thinking I could put it to use.

 

[JimmyS1969]

Sub 1 and 2 out are just alternate outputs of the L/R outs as far as I can tell. You will only get 2 separate preamped signals to your interface from the mixer. You just gained two recording channels without spending a dime though.

 

[rockironwebb]

Oh, Ok. Awesome, I like the way that sounds, two free preamps, I'll tell my wife to quit bitching at me about that F-ing mixer that just sits around!!! It also makes another decision for me. I've had a guy wanting to be our second guitarist for awhile but I've been reluctant because he isn't dependable. Now I can just tell him "Sorry dude, I don't have any preamps going spare"!!!!!
Thanx for the help.