Sorry for this noob stuff, but I'm learning still. I own a Stanton SMX-501 3-channel mixer. I've been wondering for a while what some of the inputs and outputs on the back are actually for. I dunno if I can upload images here to help, so I'll just describe the best I can.

1/4" Send & Return - What are these for exactly?

Booth - What the hell is this for?

Rec - I know this can be used to record (duh). My issue is, I have a cable that goes here and plugs into my laptop (I believe the headphone jack, or a port similar to it for a 3.5mm). I've done this before to record some sets and calibrated some software on my computer to try and record stuff, but the sound quality of the recordings is minimal at best. What should I be doing to record sets and increasing the quality?

Also, I have my master cables as RCA right now, but I also seem to have "Master Balance" XLR jacks. Are these better to use, and if so, why?

Thanks in advance for any help.

1/4" - for an effects processor
booth- output for monitor speakers in addition to your master out
rec- not sure without knowing your situation more specifically
xlr>rca

What are some good effects processors out there?
Oh, so say if I had a set of KRK powered studio speakers, this is where they'd plug in?
Situation is that there's a set of RCA outs that allow for a cable to run from the mixer to the computer to record into some audio programs I have, but the sound quality is low.
Why exactly is xlr > rca?

Effects processors depends on your budget. Most people on this forum will recommend either of the pioneer effects boxes, but they are pricey. If you're on a tight budget look at the Korg Mini-KP.

As far as your recording issues, unless you have the output volume too high, or you are clipping I can't really help you. You might want to try some different (higher quality) RCAs, but no guarantees.

The difference between XLR and RCA is that XLR are balanced which means three conductors instead of two for carrying the signal (+, -, ground); which makes it easy to "reject" noise on the line that is not signal. RCA are unbalanced and have only 2 conductors which means one of the conductors is used to carry both signal and ground. When an RCA cable says balanced it is a bit of a misnomer - it likely means 3 conductors with ground only connected on one side (making the cable directional from source to amp) so it isn't a true "balanced" condition. For long runs, I would say XLR, but for short runs I am not sure you would hear a difference, since it is really over long distances where you will benefit from balanced cables.

^ Thanks for the info on XLR versus RCA, very good to know. I hope I don't have directional RCA signals, because then how would you know if the cable is plugged in the wrong way? But either way, I think mine is unbalanced, and the cable is like 3 feet max, so it's not too long and I probably wouldn't even hear a difference between rca and xlr.

As for recording, would a box like something from M-Audio improve the sound... my friend uses one of those to record through a mic into his computer. And again, I assume the "booth" rcas allow you to plug little powered speakers right into the mixer, correct?

Over 3 feet you won't hear a difference in my experience. The XLR is just sturdier and more manly in my opinion :P.

An external sound card for dedicated recording might help you sound quality, but it's impossible for me to be sure without testing your setup.

You are correct about the "booth" output.

Ok, thanks a lot for all the info. Greatly appreciated.