Cubase LE playback/output problems

[SMX_Dizzy]

Ok, so here's the scoop. I got a Phonic Helix Board 12 Firewire mixer...and I must say, for $300 it's pretty nice. It's not a piece of crap like people say, it's really a nice mixer, with the benefit of firewire. I'm currently running it through Audacity, which gets the job done but really sucks. Cubase LE looks like a fairly decent program and a LOT more capable than Audacity, plus it was free so I'd really like to use it. However, there's a problem...

I managed to get the VST inputs working from the Phonic, but I can't get playback through my soundcard. I have an M-Audio Audiophile 2496 soundcard, which I'm running RCA cables from the aux. of my stereo to. The only way I can get output/playback from Cubase is to run my monitors (or in this case, stereo) through the main outs in the mixer. I'd prefer run Cubase out of my soundcard, and not out of the mixer, b/c I'm not using MIDI all that often [yet] so I don't want to feel like the soundcard is a waste.

So, is leaving the VST outputs at Phonic Helix Main L/R the only way to hear the playback? Or is there someway that I can configure it to run out of my 2496? Please help me out here, it may seem like no big deal to run my system, and Cubase's, sound out of the mixer, but I'd really rather use the soundcard. If the mixer is my only choice, please let me know.

 

[TimOBrien]

No, you can't use multiple interfaces simultaneously.

You'll have to monitor from the outputs of the mixer.

 

[SMX_Dizzy]

Ok. I'll still be able to hear sounds from my computer and stuff if I configure the sound to do so, right?

So basically, at this point, the 2496 can only be used as a MIDI interface? Or based on what you said, can I not use MIDI at all b/c the mixer doesn't have it?