I have a XENYX 802 mixer

http://www.behringer.com/802/index.cfm?lang=ENG

whose primary purpose thus far is to mix the ouput of my Tonelab with
the output of a CD player and send the result to headphones so that I can play along with CDs.

It works great, but there are so many way to balance the levels some of which make more noise than others.

Basic question 1) what is the optimal way to balance these signals? The levels can be controlled at

1) The output levels of the sources (ie Tonelab & CD player).

2) The individual channel levels.

The overall volume can be controlled via

1) The Main Mix level

2) The Phones/Control Room level.

Should I crank any of these and control the level with the other?
One needs to avoid clipping in any case.

Question 2) I like using my RC-2 pedal but the drum beats get real ratty in front of an amp model with gain. This can be solved by putting an overdrive/distortion pedal in front of the RC-2 and running that into a clean amp model with the gain low. I keep thinking that there should be a way to send the Tonelab output into the RC-2 and the output of that into the mixer.
I am looking for a low noise way that doesn't clip & yet retains a good clean solid and loud beat from the RC-2.

I've tried sending it into my strobostomp and into the mic pres & using the FX loop, but then I get confused about the levels of the FX send vs Aux return.

There are too many ways to increase the noise and muffle the sound!

Aaiiiiieeeee!! Help!