Simple question about mixers

[Decay]

I have decided to invest in a Audiophile 2496 soundcard and a Yamaha MG 10/2 mixer. This setup will be used to record guitar, bass and vocals.

I was wondering, however, if it is possible to plug my guitar straight into the mixer and get good, noise free results without some sort of DI box between the two. I want a clean guitar signal into my computer through the mixer.
Will this be possible or does everything i plug into the mixer have to be line level?

 

[pdadda]

First off, are you trying to record electric or acoustic guitar? If it is an electric, are you playing through an amp? I can't tell whether you are trying to record direct or use a mic. You definitely don't need a DI box in any case. Those are mostly for live playing.

 

[mshilarious]

DIs can do two things: provide an unbalanced-balanced conversion, and a high impedance input. You need a high impedance input especially if you are going direct, otherwise you will degrade the sound quality of the guitar. I don't think the MG has a high-impedance input. If it doesn't, then it won't work well for DI and you will need a separate DI box or amp simulator or something. If I am wrong, and the MG does have a high-impedance connection, then you are all set.

 

[Decay]

Pdadda: I'll be going direct, i.e plugging my electric straight into the mixer, no amp micing.

Mshilarious: I'm not sure if the MG got an high impedance input either, maybe someone else here knows?
The Mackie TAPCO 6306, however, has "Instrument Inputs (HI Z)" are those high-impedance inputs that I could plug my guitar directly into? I would prefer not to have to buy a DI box.