tek956 wrote:can you use the 8 ins and the 2 mic inputs at the same time
Yes. And the digital ins too. So you could track the 8 outs via the line ins, and the main outs via s/pdif, all at the same time.
tek956 wrote:and how do you adjust the settings in that small window.
It's easy. Download the manual if you want to know more. Downloading the manual, by the way, is the first thing anyone should do when trying to learn more about a piece of gear.
tek956 wrote:and are the midi inpust for midi machine control
The midi I/O are for whatever you want to do with them; MMC, clock, CC's, notes... Anything midi. I use mine to sync via Midi Clock, but you could also use 'em to play synths/virtual instruments in your DAW.