Dave, I have a UCX and totally love it.
I'll say that it has taken me a long time to wrap my head around all the great ways to use it.
Take the time to read through the help file. Understanding Mix Snapshots will make it easier for you to mix in a live setting using Total Mix.
For your question above, it's key to understand the difference between Submix Routing mode and Free Routing Mode. Stick with Submix until you get your feet under you. After a year, I've not reached a time when I really needed free mode - though it's good to understand.
Knowing tricks like cntrl+clicking the wrench to open all setup properties to the right of the wrench you click (or EQ or Dynamics) is really useful when you're doing a soundcheck.
DON'T FORGET DIGICHECK. DigiCheck is the most awesome tool of RME. I use an instance for every track or bus when I mix to measure loudness and levels. Bit static and Noise... you name it. And that isn't even mentioning what Global Record can do for you!
Keep in mind that if you are willing to bounce real time you can use Loop Back and apply FX to each individual channel (EQ and Compression if you want where EQs come BEFORE compression. If you want EQ AFTER the compression, you will have to route into another track as a BUS and apply the extra EQ. Keep in mind that you have all of the ADAT channels for buses too.
Total Reset can be a god-send when you can't figure out what you're doing and you need it fixed in a hurry. If you are having a problem, start with total reset.
post edited by gswitz - 2014/01/24 08:00:40