8-bus Mixer Suggestions Options

[dreamhaus]

I have a MOTU 828 system into a Mac G4 using Digital Performer.

Most of the recording i've been doing has been 1 or 2 tracks at once, right into the MOTU and then mixing in DP. Things work great.

I've had a need recently to mic a drum kit, which is taking about 7 tracks:

1. snare
2. kick
3. high hat
4. L tom
5. R tom
6. Overhead
7. Floor tom

The problem I'm running into is that I'd like to sub-mix the kit BEFORE it gets to the MOTU so that I have some control on the gain and EQ before it gets to the MOTU's bus -- I'm finding my levels and my "punch" coming into the MOTU are not really there and that I need a pre-amp on my mic's before they hit the MOTU.

I've been looking at some 8-bus mixers, but my heads spinning.

I'm really sort of lost on this...

Do I really need an 8 bus mixer to go into each bus line of the MOTU
to truly get each track isolated, or can i use a 4 bus mixer and "cheat"?

Hell, Am I over thinking this and making things more complicated, or do I really need a single bus FROM each of the mixer output buses to the MOTU to accomplish this? I do need to achieve true track-to-track isolation so I can apply effects on each drum track. Since his is drum project, its important that I'm not mixing two drum sounds together -- any comments are welcome.

Some mixers i've looked at:

Mackie 24x8
Tascam M2600

Does anyone have any suggestions on Mixer's (around $500 - $700) or do they suggest an alternative to what I'm trying to do?

Gary

This post has been edited by dreamhaus: Tue 3 Jan 2006, 03:45

[mickblah]

You dont actually need an 8 bus mixer - a mixer with some buses and some directs will do the job just as well - I use a mackie 1604 - with 4 buses, 4 auxes and 8 direct outs I can get 16 controlled outputs with some sub mixes when needed.......dont know us prices though

mick

[dreamhaus]

What model 1604?

Thanks,
Gary

[mickblah]

yes vst 1604

though if you want to spend less you dont even need a mixer - "SMPro Audio PR-8 II" Ive just checked this out 8 mic pres for 199$ comes with some recommendations though you do pay for what you get usually. Just avoid behringer if you can

hoho
mic k

[eaks]

I have a soundcraft spirit fx8 which has 8 direct outs and they fit well into my motu 2408 mkII!

the spirit fx8 is almost in your price range and sooooo much worth it. Go for it, it's a lifetime choice!