Well, I finally found the solution to this. The ALT 3-4 bus is the answer, but its name is somewhat confusing when thinking of the definition. A better word is sub outs, but sub groups is also used.

When I use the RME Fireface 800 and want to be able to record 8 channels simoultaneously to 8 separate tracks in the computer and use a mixer in the chain, that mixer needs to be 8 Bus (have 8 subgroups). This allows me to route 8 channels out to 8 inputs on the audio interface. Then I can connect the active monitors to the main outs on the mixer. The 8 Bus technology is better than direct outputs in that any of the mixer's channels can act as recording channels by using an ATL or mute button so I don't have to replug the instruments in order to choose what instruments to record. This is a much better approach than using inserts halfway for this purpose.

The Behringer MX9000 Eurodesk Mixer seems to be a good bang for the bucks when it comes to 8 Bus mixers, but I'm still not sure about its sound quality, it might be a little noisy. I have to check that out.

[This message has been edited by YamahaAndy (edited 03-06-2005).]

[This message has been edited by YamahaAndy (edited 03-06-2005).]