Connecting an Analog mixer to an MBox2

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SoundChamber

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Hello all,

I am new to this forum thing so I thought I would give it a try for this particular question.

I am looking into buying a compact analog mixer for my home studio. I will be running mics and instruments through the mixer first, then into my MBox2. I am looking at a Yamaha MG124C mixer for it has 2 Aux outputs that I can use to send individual signals into inputs 1 + 2 on the MBox. I usually don't have more than 2 things going at once and I like to do all my compression and eq before I record to protools.

This leads me to my question. If I have both Aux outs of the mixer patched into line in 1 and 2 on the mbox, then I have complete control on how much signal I am sending for those two mono instruments. However, if there is a time when I need to send a stereo signal out of the mixer into the mbox, I dont want to have to unplug those Aux sends at the back of the mbox and replug in the stereo out signal from the mixer. So here is what I was thinking. I would leave the Aux sends in lines 1 and 2 of the mbox and then have the stereo out XLR's of the mixer into the XLR in's of the MBOX and just have the gain control on the mbox turned all the way down until I need to send something stereo, the I would press the mic button in and turn up the gain on the mic channels. IS THIS OK TO DO THAT? WILL IT AFFECT THE SIGNAL GOING INTO THE MBOX FROM THE AUX SENDS?

I would really appreciate any ideas or feedback.

Thanks all.
 
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By going into the XLR inputs of the Mbox, you are going to be sending the signal into the mic preamps. Probably not a good idea - keep the gain WAY down, if you do.. Can't you send the stereo signal through the Aux outputs of the mixer?
 
You are right.... that makes sense.

So if I have two individual tracks I am wanting to record onto a stereo track, I would just send one to input 1 and the other to input 2 and have them panned accordingly, and if I have a stereo signal on one channel, then I can just send via the aux send on that channel, making sure I have a stereo track selected in Protools.

Thanks Mike, that totally makes sense.
 
I wouldn't bother with the XLR inputs. As MJB says, they go through the mics preamps which isn't what you want.

You'd be better making/getting a little input selector switch or making better use of the mixers routing if possible.
 
best bet would be to get an ADAT converter.. if you are strapped for cash behringer make an 8 channel one that is affordable
 
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