1/4 cables and DAW

[logjam]

I need to access individual channels from a Midas Venice 320.

The 320 is a 24 channel mono and 4 channel stereo mixer.

Each of the mono channels has line in, XLR in, Insert, and direct out.

The direct out does not interrupt the mixer according to the schematic, however the direct out is post-mute (but pre-fader).

The insert is pre-eq, pre-mute, pre-fader, and post mic gain/filter.

I plan plan on recording 2 guitars, 1 bass guitar, keyboard, and probably drums. So far all I will have is a MOTU 1224 8 input device going to a laptop.

My cable lengths could possibly be over 6 feet. Would Carol microphone cable be high enough quality? By plugging into the insert or direct out is it possible to introduce noise into the mixer? Carol microphone cable has a very tight shield.

Is plugging in 1/4 mono plugs "half way" into an insert jack really a good practice? (to getthe output but not interrupt the mixer) Or should I terminate a stereo 1/4 plug with the tip-middle connected together?

And last, I assume being pre-eq on the inserts won't hurt me too much, I can do that in the computer, unless an input like a drum causes clipping.

Any ideas? I know I have to use at least one direct out, because the lead guitar is using the insert.