In this article, we’ll show you how to connect an audio mixer to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface. Keep reading to learn how to expand the functionality of your audio interface and breathe a new lease of life into a non-USB mixer.
Quick Answer: Run a pair of balanced 1/4″ cables from your mixer’s main outputs to the inputs on the Scarlett 2i2 to record a single stereo track of the audio sources connected to your mixer.
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface: https://currentprice.io/scarlett_2i2
- Yamaha MG10 Audio Mixer: https://currentprice.io/yamaha_mg10
Why Connect An Audio Mixer To The Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface?
An audio mixer is a great way to expand the number and type of inputs you can use beyond those found on the Scarlett 2i2 audio interface. You also benefit from the mixer’s onboard compression, high pass filters, EQ, and FX features.
The only drawback is that you won’t be able to multitrack all of those inputs. The 2i2 receives the final stereo mix from the mixer, so you’ll be recording all of those inputs to a single stereo track.
Looking at it from the other side of the equation, an audio interface allows you to connect a non-USB audio mixer to a computer. If you have a USB mixer, we recommend you connect that directly to the computer instead.
How To Connect An Audio Mixer To The Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface
You can use a wide variety of audio sources with an audio mixer, but for demonstration purposes, we’ll talk you through a simple setup with an XLR microphone.
Total Time: 5 minutes
Connect Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface To Computer
Connect Audio Mixer To Power & Turn On
Connect Microphone To Audio Mixer
Use phatom power if you’re using a condenser microphone
Set Gain Properly on Microphone
You should be hitting close to “0” on your meter
Turn Down Preamp on Scarlett 2i2
You should have instrument mode turned off
Connect Balanced 1/4″ Cable from Mixer Output To Scarlett 2i2
Open Audio Software
Garageband, Logic, Ableton, Protools, Cuebase, etc.
Hit Record!
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Inputs
The Scarlett 2i2 audio interface has 2 XLR – 1/4″ combi jacks. The XLR input is mic-level, and the 1/4″ input can be used with instrument- or line-level sources.
If you were wondering why we don’t use an XLR to XLR connection in our setup, it’s because the line-level mixer outputs are too hot for the interface’s mic-level XLR inputs.
Audio Mixer Aux Outputs
If you’re working at a live event, it’s pretty likely you’ll have the house speakers running from the mixer’s main outputs. In that case, we recommend using the mixer’s aux outputs for your audio interface instead.
You’ll have the added benefit of being able to create a separate mix for your computer if you’re live streaming or recording the event at the same time.
Stereo Vs. Mono Connection
We talked you through a stereo setup in the steps above, but it’s equally valid to only want a mono signal. In that scenario, you only need to connect the mixer’s left output to the first input on the 2i2.
Audio Mixer & Scarlett 2i2 Pricing
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface: https://currentprice.io/scarlett_2i2
- Yamaha MG10XU Audio Mixer: https://currentprice.io/yamaha_mg10
- Audio Technica AT2020 Condenser Microphone: https://currentprice.io/at2020
- Balanced 1/4″ Cables: https://currentprice.io/trs_cable
- XLR Cable: https://currentprice.io/xlr_cable
- Mic Stand: https://currentprice.io/desk_stand
Connect Audio Mixer to Scarlett 2i2 Topics & Chapters
- 0:00 – Introduction
- 1:28 – Pricing & Specs
- 1:40 – Connect Microphone To Mixer
- 2:09 – Microphone & Mixer Setup
- 3:02 – Focusrite Inputs
- 3:38 – Connect Mixer To Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface
- 5:14 – Signal Connected To Computer
- 5:54 – Final Thoughts
