I just got a Behringer RD-8. I’m trying to figure out the best way to route everything considering the RD-8 has individual outputs but also has some features on the main out like the analog filter and wave shaper, not to mention the return in if I want to send any drum to an effect and back.

The problem with running the drums out of the main output is that it’s mono and I can’t pan anything, and I also can’t do much post processing on individual drums.

My other option is using it with my 16 input analog mixer. I could route the individual outs to separate channels on the mixer. Then I could connect a few distortion pedals to the aux sends and inserts. It would also allow me to do some panning and a little mixing of the audio before it goes into the DAW out of the stereo outs of the mixer.

The third option is I just run the individual outs directly into my audio interface. I have 8 inputs available, so this would basically prevent me from using any other outboard stuff simultaneously.

I also wonder if I don’t use the main out of the drum machine if there will be any mojo lost? Obviously I won’t have the filter or wave shaper, so that will be lost.

Anyway, I hope I can get an answer from someone as I’m kind of stuck on what to do going forward. Option paralysis you could say. I wasn’t sure where to post the question, but I’ll repost in a different section if I don’t get a response. Thanks ������

what is this "mojo" of which you speak?

Looking at the brochure, it appears to also have a "headphone" out. That might be stereo and probably has the effects. You don't need to headphones to monitor the unit itself if you are recording it into another device. Just monitor from the end of your chain. So maybe you could get a splitter cable and send that headphone signal to 2 channels.

I would start with the volume low, but I think it might work.