Ideal way to add a mixer into my setup?
Hey everybody!
So I'm still rocking my SWR Natural Blonde amp. Very flexible amp for Stick players, since it's essentially PA combo amp with dual inputs and flexible signal routing options. However, I want to add a few more sources into the system: a mic for vocals, a separate audio channel for my Beat Buddy, and be able to practice with headphones at night so I don't wake up my significant other. (The amp also has a master mute switch, so I can silently practice even if the headphone level corresponds to the master mix level.)
I'm new to fiddling with mixers, so please excuse the noob level questions. What would be the ideal way to connect all of the instruments, pedals, mixer, and amp together for optimal sound quality and flexibility? My thought process is this:
1. Connect Stick into front of amp (eq and gain stage)
2. Effects sends to my pedals
3. Affected signal from pedals into 2 different channels of the mixer
4. Main mix out into the effects returns of the amp
Is this the best way to route everything, or is there a better way? I've attached pictures of the Mackie mixer I'm considering to buy, along with a screenshot of the rear panel diagram of the Natural Blonde amp.
To perhaps throw a bit of a wrench into the works: my new pedal setup contains multiple Two Notes Le Preamp pedals with integrated DI outs and effects loops, so it would also be possible to start the signal at the pedals and go DI into the mixer. Any advantage to doing something like this instead? (Example picture attached of the Le Bass pedal).
Thanks again for all your inputs.