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

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

What model 1604?

Thanks,
Gary

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

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!