Nebie is pulling out hair : Help me not go bald ;)

[analog]

I would seriously appreciate any help with the following, as I am desperately trying my hardest
to get my home studio up and running in the best possible way. Thanks for reading!

First, my setup:

HARDWARE
---------------------------------------
1. Mixer (Mackie CR1604-VLZ PRO)
http://www.mackie.com/Products/VLZ_PRO_Series/1604VLZPRO.asp
2. Microphone (Rodes NTK)
http://www.rodemicrophones.com/specsntk/
3. Guitar (Samick)
4. Computer (PC:AMD Athlon XP)
5. Soundcard (MAudio Delta 66)
http://www.midiman.com/products/m-audio/delta66.php
6. Midi interface (MidiSPORT 8x8)
http://www.midiman.de/mspor88.htm
7. Midi Controller (Roland A37)
http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/love.music?p=p.ROLA37&z=1294180561647
8. Monitors (Event 20/20bas)
http://www.eventelectronics.com/product/monitors.htm#ba
9. HiFi Stereo (JVC Amp with RCA inputs)

SOFTWARE:
---------------------------------------
1. Operating System (Windows XP)
2. Audio Control Panel (MAudio Delta 66)
3. Sequencer (Cubase VST)
http://www.steinberg.net/products/ps/cubase/pc/vst/index.phtml?id=03010101&sid=01986848


So there's my setup. Now, these are my requirements:

REQUIREMENTS:
----------------------------------------
1. Create a track in cubase
2. Listen to the track while recording vocals/guitar (one at a time)
3. Listen to the vocals while recording, on headphones (vocalist/guitarist)
4. Listen to the vocals while recording, on monitors
5. Change headphone level and monitor levels independently
6. Disable playback of recorded vocals/guitar in Cubase so there is no feedback with mixer (or

vise versa)
7. Have the same signal of the monitors sent to the HiFi stereo
8. Have optimal headroom for monitor/HiFi outputs

The confusion comes in when I am forced to choose between Main Outs / Sub Outs / Insert Outs /

Direct Outs / etc.

Because I am a newbie to recording and home studios, I could really really use the help. All

advice is welcomed

Thanks again!

 

[TexRoadkill]

Generally you would hook up the master stereo outs of the Mackie to the inputs on the card.

Run the outputs of the card,however many seperate tracks you want, into the mackie. You can put them on different channels or the tape in. 2 will be enough for monitoring.

In Steinberg assign the audio outs for all tracks to whatever output you are using on the sound card. Assign the track input to whatever input you are using on the sound card.

The insert out can be used to send a direct signal of that track to a compressor or your sound card.

The sub/busses are used to combine different tracks onto one fader so you can control the overall level of those tracks or to add the same effect to those tracks.

Does that help? Is there something more specific you are having trouble with?

 

[SPINSTERWUN]

TexRoadkill, you hit it on the head.

 

[analog]

balanced/unbalanced

Thanks for the great advice guys!

Here's one thing that is plaguing me. I know the all the direct outs and inset outs are balanced connections. However, if I use the insert out to patch that to my delta 66, it requires that I only insert the TRS plug only half way. Does this effectively reduce this to a non-balanced line? And if it does, is it a problem with respect to sound quality?

Thanks!