888 audio interface and mixer question

[wild eyed]

In my 888 manual it states that the inputs are balanced,does this mean that i MUST plug my mics into a mixer with balanced outputs and then plug into the 888 to be able to record? or can i somehow bypass the mixer and go straight to the 888? im asking because i want to know if a mixer is important espically if i will be doing my mixing using protools.
thanks

[Rail Jon Rogut]

This is such a basic question.. that it almost begs the question.."Whet the heck are you doing with a TDM rig?".

Basic audio engineering.. what's the difference between a Microphone and a Line level?

The 888 can be set up either as +4 or -10.. a microphone needs a lot more gain before it'll atain that kind of level.

A couple of book suggestions: Home Recording For Musicians For Dummies® or Modern Recording Techniques.

Rail

[wild eyed]

ok sorry, i was able to record a vocal without using a mixer last nite, but i was told that i would require a mixer, without the mixer the vocal was slighly distorted, with a mixer would this be avoided?

[Johnny Jam]

You really sound like you are serious!!
Well, you need a preamp for the mic to get a proper level and avoid distortion. Many mixers has built-in preamps, but you can also buy a single preamp that connects to the 888. They range from about a couple of hundreds to several thousands dollars. Search for "preamp" and you should find many suggestions.