Using Mackie CFX20 Mixer as mic preamp?

[hmsbass]

I am curious if I can use my Mackie mixer as a mic preamp. I know of an acappella group that recorded a project through their mixer into the interface to pro tools. I've recently checked on preamps.......not in my budget right now.
Thanks in advance for comments.

[albee1952]

You CAN, but should you? What interface are you going to feed with it? If that's a powered mixer(with speaker outputs) make sure to use line outputs and feed line inputs on your interface(with the interface GAIN(s) all the way down to start).

[hmsbass]

It is a Mackie CFX 20, and or Mackie VLZ 12, non powered. The digi rack 002 has pre amps already, but probably just to send the signal. I don't have a budget to purchase a microphone pre amp, especially for mulitple microphone usage. I don't think it is critical given we are a capella. Maybe sometime down the road for other applications.
Thanks for your response and time.

[albee1952]

Now I get the picture. Most Mackie mixers have insert points on the mic channels. Those can be tapped and fed to the 002 line inputs(5 thru 8) with either a special cable designed for it, or by using a standard guitar cable and plugging it into the insert jack and pulling out by one click from all the way in. You could also use L&R outputs of group outs if the mixer has them(or AUX sends too). Lots of options there(but yes, you can do it for sure). Another option would be to sell the Mackie(if you don't need it for other things) and use the money to buy an 8 channel lightpipe preamp. The cheapest option there would be the Behringer ADA8000 at around $200(and it sounds fine for general use, certainly as good as the 002 preamps).

[hmsbass]

think I'll hold on to the mixer.....for a little while longer anyway...it is part of our P.A. system. Was purchased with the logic of having the ability to plug in several groups at once without playing musical wires. We did host a few "Song Fests" with multiple groups, all acapella.
Thanks for your input.