Too Much Mixer!

[BeagleFaceHenry]

I need some help, I'm in a bit over my head. I have a handful of questions if someone out there has the answers.

My 4-piece rock band is slowly growing a recording studio. We're going for 'live' style, so no iso rooms and minimal overdubs. We began our foray into multi-track recording with a TASCAM DP-24. Amazingly enough, we were just given a Yamaha O2R. The Yamaha is much more board than we need, but it will allow us more options. Herein lies the challenge (keep in mind, we're on a tight budget).

How do I utilize 26 channels with only 6 Aux sends?
Can I use the Insert I/O as an output to record? Am I correct that if I use the Insert as an out to record, I will no longer hear it in the control room? That seems to be the case. (We're using the control room as the PA in the room).
How do I route a different mixes to the control room and studio monitors?

If anyone wants to toss out some ideas I'd greatly appreciate it.
Thanks!
-j

 

[bouldersoundguy]

Does the mixer have any of the expansion cards installed?

If you must use the inserts you can buy/build insert tap cables. They are just like normal guitar/patch cables but with a TRS on one end. The tip and ring of the TRS are connected to the tip of the TS, so when you plug the TRS into an insert you get a record output without interrupting the signal in the board.

 

[BeagleFaceHenry]

Thanks Boulder! I hoped there was a simple hardware solution. That will definitely help.

The mixer does not have any expansion cards, nor does it look like it ever did. I can't figure out how the previous owner was utilizing the board.