powered mixer

[vdrumatic]

Hi E friends, I could use some advice.
I have a TD8 module, a Boss BR 8 recording studio, and a CD/Cassette player. The headphone output on the Boss BR 8 isn't to good. When I try to record from my module into the BR 8, the headphone out of the BR 8 is distorted. When I playback what I've recorded it sounds real good. I would like to get some kind of mixer to plug everything into and just use the headphone out on the mixer. As of now I only play with headphones. Should I buy a powered mixer? Will an unpowered mixer work well and loud enough into headphones? Someday I would also like to buy a JBL Eon speaker to play out loud. Which type of mixer would work or be better with the JBL? Also how many channels should the mixer be, and what Brands are good? I will be buying it from Sam Ash most likely.
Thanks, Rick...

[Steveo the Devo]

Well this is a large can of worms here.

Firstly if you are planning on purchasing an Eon speaker, do not get a powered mixing desk. (see point 3)

Secondly, the size of desk (number of channels) depends on what you are going to use it for. If you need to put a band through it then you will need more channels. An 8 channel desk is a good start though.

Thirdly, I am not too confident that you fully understand what a 'powered mixing desk' is. A powered mixing desk has a built in amplifier. This means that you plug your speakers directly into the outputs of the desk. A 'powered' desk will be able to be used for headphone monitoring just as well as a nonpowered desk.

Finally, the brand of mixer will depend a great deal on your budget. Mackie is a good quality desk for your money. If you go with anything else, don't go with Behringer.
Good luck1

[vdrumatic]

Thanks, for your advice. I really appreciate it. C.Jude, I was thinking about getting an 8 channel configuration, I will just be using it for my set up, and not for vocals, but my main reason for the smaller board is for the amount of tight shelf space in my music room.
1) Powered mixer + non-powered JBL
2) Non powered mixer + powered JBL
Will both of these configurations work as well as each other? Is one config better than the other?
Thanks again & hope you have a great day, Rick