Jan 21, 2010 08:09 pm Hey there Adrian, sorry for the delay, i'm kinda looking through 1 post threads =).
Anyway, in recording with mics, we need a few things: 1) mic, 2) preamp.
The mic you probably already know, but the mixer presents the preamp part. so if you have 8 preamps on channels, then you can connect 8 microphones, to send 8 signals to your PC.
Now, getting the sound over to the PC: I use the channel inserts. This method has you connect a patch cable (1/4" mono) into the channel insert jack, but only up to the first click, not all the way in. This sends the 'send' of the channel insert out on your cable. Connect the other end to an input on your interface, and then pick it up in your software.
Now, you'll need a multiple input sound-card (audio interface). You'll need an input for each channel you want to send, so to record 4 mics to their own track in your software, you'll need an interface with 4 inputs. the delta 44 is a good example of this. If you're using the onboard sound, then you may want to think heavily about getting a better audio interface. built-in sound is usually very cheap components, and your quality can suffer. But, many people have done nice recordings using built-in cards, so it can be done. But don't depend on it =).
Your mixer may have direct outs on the channels. These would do the same things as my channel inserts way; send individual signals out from the mixer, after the preamp, to another device (your PC).
Now, concerning your 'un-happy' drum sound, I doubt the mixer is having much to do with it. Drums are notoriously difficult to record well, often taking much blood sweat and tears to get a good sound. It may be the room, the drums, the player, the mic placement, the mics, and eventually, maybe the mixer (preamps) or cables. I highly doubt it's the mixer, more likely the sound of the drums themselves (old heads, not tuned, etc) and the mic placement. Also the room will come greatly into play, so maybe hanging a few heavy blankets on the walls to tone down the reflections and bounce. Plus heavy (mass) will slow down the low end from building up and muddy-ing up your recordings. If you get your signals into their own tracks, then put hi-pass EQ on non-low end drums, so you're not building up the low end in your recordings too.
oh yeah, to hear pre-recorded takes or tracks from your PC, you can connect from 2 outputs to 2 inputs on your mixer, like a stereo input. I usually use the last pair, which are usually a stereo pair. So I have earlier tracks coming into the mixer on last pair, plus mic signals coming in from the mics, then I send all this out the main outs, to my monitor speakers. This way I have all signals in the mixer at my control. If you want more X in your headphones, then turn up channel X. need more backing sounds, turn up the last fader, for channel 15/16, or whatever the last is. Turn up the whole enchilada with master fader. Nifty.
hth