Topic: Micro Track's 1/4" Plugins and Attenuator Questions

[Mr. Bull]

I tried hooking my Micro Track directry to the soundboard with the 1/4" hook ups last night with no response.  I went to the menu and selected 1/4" plugins.  Is there anything else I needed to do? 

Now if I use the 1/4" hookups am I going to need a 10db attenuator for a hookup to the soundboard like I would to the Mics on the 1/8" plugin to avoid red lining???  Do they make such a thing?

What If I hooked a mic directly to the 1/4" hook ups is that possible or would I still have the red lining problem without an attenuator in live music situations??? 

What is the advantage to the SPIDIF (Spelling??) VS 1/4" hookups VS 1/8" ?  Would the SPIDIF also need an attenuator?  If I ever wanted to hook up to the SB again what cable would be best for the microtrack?

Tons of questions!!!  Thanks for any help

Matt