can I use a 24 track mixer as many separate preamps?

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frego

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I've been lurking for a while and have put together a start of a system.

PC:
Athlon XP2600, 512 MB RAM, 40 GB drive drive

soundcard:
M-audio Delta 1010

PreAmp:
M-Audio Audio Buddy

Software:
Cakewalk Sonar 4 and Acid Loops

MIDI controller:
Yamaha DGX-300

Mics:
Shure SM-58
Shure SM-57

So the thing is, I'd like to record my band and separate out each track. The Delta1010 gives me 8 inputs and I'm currently only using 3 (running the keyboard direct to the Delta 1010 on one and the audio buddy gives me my other two for mic/guitar).

I'm considering either buying more audio-buddy's to utilize my full 8 inputs, or another thought I had was to buy the M-audio Octane preamp. But that is a bit much money for me right now. If I go that route, I'll also get a phantom powered mic for vocals and specific mics for the drums.

I also have a big old Peavey Mark IV commercial mixing console. It's got 24 tracks. and you can pan each one left or right so you have a final stereo mix. So obviously I could use that for 2 more preamps. Also each track has a pre and post send and receive effect loops. So, could I run several mics, a couple of guitars and a bass into the mixer, but then use the effects send of each track to go directly to the delta1010? Would it be as good quality as the Audio Buddy? If so, then would it be safe to say that a 24 track mixer can do the job of 24 direct boxes?

If you can't use the mixer in that way, why do I see so many home recording studios online that use a mixing board? Wouldn't it be better to keep each track separate and record on the PC, then do a final mix rather than mix then record?
 
Does each channel on the mixer have an insert and/or direct out?
 
no, it looks like each channel has a unbalanced 1/4" input and an XLR in, then there are four 1/4" jacks pre and post effects loops. So I was wondering if I could use one of the sends (I don't know if it'd be pre or post you'd use though)... I'm guessing post send
 
Psst, it's "channels", not "tracks". Tracks are what you record.
 
frego said:
no, it looks like each channel has a unbalanced 1/4" input and an XLR in, then there are four 1/4" jacks pre and post effects loops. So I was wondering if I could use one of the sends (I don't know if it'd be pre or post you'd use though)... I'm guessing post send

Without seeing the mixer I'd suggest you use pre, if you used post those channels would also be in the main mix.
 
u dont need more audio buddys try different preamps too just b/c u use an m audio sound card doenst mean u only need m audio stuff if u can afford an octane i suggest u hook urself up with some avalon or focusrite pres

And u can do anything with a 24 channel console be creative

57's rock
 
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