Connecting mixer to multitrack

[buddy]

newbie question. I'm looking at buying a mixer and a multitrack: Behringer MX2004A & Fostex FD8. I can get both for about $1000 total. What I dont understand is how everything talks to each other (What are channel inserts?)
e.g. I will plug 8 mics into my behr. mixer, then, i assume, take 8 1/4" plugs from the channel inserts into the 8 inputs of the fostex recorder. record.
then, i will take the 8 tracks of the fostex, play them through the mixer via 1/4" plugs, and then 2 track output to computer.
record: mixer -> multitrack
mixdown: multitrack -> mixer -> computer

I dont want to buy anything and then not have interconnectivity between units. Hope my question makes sense.
related question: What is a patchbay for? Do I need one?

cheers!
http://www.behringer.de/eng/products/eurorack/mx2004a.htm
http://www.fostex.co.jp/int/pages/products/dmer/fd8.htm

 

[GraveRocker]

I can help with the insert question. They're basically a jack in a mixer or Hard Disk Recorder that allows you to connect an effects or signal processor into a channel via a 1/4" TRS "Y" 1/4" plug cabled to two 1/4" TS phone plugs. The signal goes in and out of the TRS connector. See the discussion in the Minidisk Forum on this topic.
https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?threadid=15064

 

[Spider]

inserts cut the signal just after the gain (usually) and is pre eq , it then sends the signal to the input of say an effects unit then the output is sent back into the insert jack.. Next to the insert there should be something like tip=in , ring=out , might even be a sleeve= ? .... i didnt think these could be used for multitracking , but ive never tried so i cant really comment. But while your looking at behringer mixers , take a look at the 2642A , has direct outs , eight of them... so its perfect for an eight track studio... anyway , hope that helps..
spider

 

[buddy]

What I've learned:
The Fostex FD-8 can only record 2 tracks at a time, so trying to connect 8 "live" tracks to be recorded wouldnt work.

I was under the impression that a mixer with 8 mic inputs would have 8 outputs to redirect the signal after the mix. This is not the case with Behringer 2004A.

Thank you gentleman, your knowledge has helped tremendously. I am now changing course and looking at getting the Fostex VF-16. pro: same price as total of both units above except w/ digital mixer & 16 tracks instead of 8, con: only 2 mic inputs.

 

[Prophet_81]

Buddy, for units that can't record more than two tracks at a time, you'll need a mixer. Personally, I would prefer a multi-track that allows more than two tracks to be recorded at a time. But, not all of us can afford that right away. When recording multiple sources like that, all you can do is pan and mix levels and effects the best you can on the mixer and print them to two stereo tracks on the multi-track(this takes a lot of practice and most of the time all you can do is pray). If you have the sound you want and the proper outputs on the multi-track, you might be able to send the signal directly to the computer instead of again running the signal through unit that might add additional hum to your clean signal.

the inserts are for effects, as far as I know. Connect a TRS cable to your in and outputs of an effects unit.

T-ip
R-ing
S-leeve

Run the TRS end into the insert and adjust the effects unit. You won't be able to modify the mix at the board(at least you can't on the one I have). Hope things work out.