mixer inserts
(1) The "First Click" method on the TRS Insert Jack with a 1/4-in TS instrument cable works fine (If you push it all the way in you'll silence the channel). What you get: Pre-Fader, PreEQ, pre-EFX signal (but post-trim)---i.e., the "dry" signal. A general advantage in using insert sends during live recording is that fader/EQ/InternalEFX adjustments for FOH will not directly affect the recorded signal.
(2) There's some confusion about the terms Insert-Out v. Direct-Out, even among manufacturers who make boards with both (and use the terms diferently for different configurations). For the sake of this post, a Direct Out is a channel-strip TS jack, in addition to the insert jack, capable of sending a post-trim-Fader-EQ-EFX signal for that channel---very much like a single-channel aux send. Post-routings mean that your recorded signal will be affected during FOH adjustments. Some boards let you set pre-post options for the signal routing on direct outs or insert sends, either in lieu of or in addition to having separate jacks for each.
Good luck,
Paj
8^)