Yo Biff. The system you describe would make sense with a dedicated hard disc recorder without mixing capabilities. Most standalone recorders have built in mixing capabilities, which simplifies the process, and the signal chain. Music is recorded on multiple tracks, either singly, or in multiples, depending on the situation. These signals are all recorded as hot as possible without clipping. Then all of these signals are recorded onto 2 tracks (often incorrectly called "mastering" tracks). Individual levels and panning, fx, etc. are set at that time, then the 2 "master" tracks are burned to CD, or exported by the main outs to a CDR drive, or a separate recorder.
The number of tracks that can be recorded simultaneously, and the number of total tracks that can go to the mixdown tracks, is determined by the capabilities of the specific standalone unit. Most digital standalones allow for "bouncing" tracks, so if you don't have enough tracks out, you can combine 2 or more tracks onto a single track, and then use the tracks you have cleared. Better get that "pre-mix" right the first time, though, 'cause you can't process the individual tracks independantly once they're bounced.
A lot of little cheap digital standalones will only record one or two tracks simultaneously, and the big ones can do 10 or more.
The advantage, of course, is that you don't get the signal degradation and increased noise of sending the signal back to the mixer, and recording it again. The disadvantage is that you are stuck with the capabilities of the standalone recorder, whatever they are. Hope this explanation helps in some way.-Richie
