Newer digital mixers are not really that much more complicated than older analog units (other than the hassle of scrolling thru parameters, vs. simply tweaking knobs). As I'm sure you know from the older mixers, once you understand one channel the rest of the channels are almost the exact same (some channels may have pres and some may have XLR in addition to 1/4" but the signal routing, panning & EQ is the same on each channel.
The submix sections and master outs are basically the same regardless of it being 8 outs, 4 outs or stereo outs. You simply route the signal coming into the mixer (into a channel) over to a buss (which then routes the signal out of the mixer)
Granted the digital effects can add to the confusion, but this functions much the same as the send and return (going to an from external F/X) on an analog unit.
Don't let the concept of digital mixers confuse you, a mixer is a mixer!!! the electronics may be better or worse, but the functions will always be very much the same.
