In this article, we’ll show you how to connect an audio mixer to the Scarlett Solo audio interface for recording and live streaming. Bring a new lease of life to your non-USB audio mixer with this audio interface setup.
Quick Answer: The Focusrite Scarlett Solo has a single line-level input that allows you to send a mono version of a mixer’s stereo output to your computer. If you need to record a stereo mix, we recommend the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 instead.
- Focusrite Scarlett Solo: https://currentprice.io/scarlett_solo
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2: https://currentprice.io/scarlett_2i2
Check out this linked article to learn about the differences between the Scarlett 2i2 and Scarlett Solo and find out which Focusrite audio interface is right for you.
How To Connect Audio Mixer To Scarlett Solo Audio Interface
You can connect any type and number of audio sources to your mixer, but for demonstration purposes, we’ll talk you through connecting a microphone.
Total Time: 5 minutes
Connect Scarlett Solo Audio Interface To Computer
Connect Audio Mixer To Power & Turn On
Connect Microphone To Audio Mixer
Using XLR cable. Use phantom 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 Solo
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!
Why Connect An Audio Mixer To The Scarlett Solo Audio Interface?
If your audio mixer doesn’t have USB connectivity, an audio interface like the Scarlett Solo allows you to record or stream your mix via your computer. If you have a USB audio mixer, we recommend connecting it directly to your computer instead.
Connecting an audio mixer to an audio interface also unlocks extra audio inputs. Depending on the size of the mixer, you could have anywhere from 2 to 48 inputs, a huge step up from the single XLR input on the Solo.
Scarlett Solo Multi-Track Recording Vs. Stereo Mix
While an audio mixer gives you more inputs to play with, you won’t be able to simultaneously record each of these to a different track in your audio software.
The mixer takes all of the incoming audio signals, processes them, and outputs a flattened stereo mix, which is what you send to the Scarlett Solo.
Scarlett Solo Stereo Vs. Mono
As we mentioned above, your audio interface is going to receive the mixer’s stereo output. However, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo’s single line input means it can only capture a mono version of this stereo mix.
What does this mean in practical terms? We recommend you keep all pan controls centered on your mixer as the effect won’t translate to mono, and a pan adjustment can affect the perceived level of that input in the overall mix.
If you really need to capture a stereo mix, we recommend upgrading to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface. See our how to connect an audio mixer to the Scarlett 2i2 guide for more.
Audio Mixer & Scarlett Solo Headphone Monitoring
People often ask us where is the best place to connect headphones in a mixer-audio interface setup. It’s a good question, as what you hear will vary depending on which device you connect your headphones to.
- Audio mixer monitoring
Plugging your headphones into the audio mixer is fine if you only need to hear what’s going into the mixer. - Audio interface monitoring
The Scarlett Solo is the only device in this setup that has 2-way connectivity with your computer. This allows you to monitor audio from the computer on top of the audio mixer’s inputs, ideal if you’re recording a new track over existing ones.
Scarlett Solo Line-Level Signals
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo has 2 audio inputs, a mic-level XLR input, and a line-level 1/4″ input. We need to use the line-level input as your mixer will be sending out a line-level signal.
Audio Mixer Aux Outputs
If you’re working a live event, chances are you’ll be using your mixer’s main stereo outputs to send a signal to your speakers. In which case, we recommend using the mixer’s Aux output instead, allowing you to create a custom mix for the feed going to the Scarlett Solo too.
Scarlett Solo Audio Interface Computer Recording Level
When recording to a computer using software like Logic Pro, we always aim for a level between -12 dB and -18 dB on the program’s level meter. We find that when gain is set correctly on the audio mixer, it will also be correct in Logic. This means you can leave the gain knob on the Scarlett Solo turned all the way down.
Equipment & Pricing For Connecting Mixer To Interface
- Focusrite Scarlett Solo: https://currentprice.io/scarlett_solo
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2: https://currentprice.io/scarlett_2i2
- Yamaha MG10 Audio Mixer (no USB): https://currentprice.io/yamaha_mg10
- Audio Technica AT2020 Microphone: https://currentprice.io/at2020
- Balanced 1/4″ Cable: https://currentprice.io/trs_cable
- XLR Cable: https://currentprice.io/xlr_cable
- TRS Cable: https://currentprice.io/trs_cable
- Mic Stand: https://currentprice.io/desk_stand
Rode PSA1 Boom Arm: https://currentprice.io/boom_arm
Audio Mixer Connect To Scarlett Solo Topics
- 0:00 – Introduction
- 0:20 – Pricing & Specs
- 0:38 – Connect Audio Mixer to Scarlett Solo
- 2:00 – Multi-Track Recording vs Stereo Mix
- 2:11 – Stereo vs Mono
- 3:04 – Headphone Monitoring
- 4:03 – Connect Microphone To Mixer
- 4:20 – Reset Audio Mixer
- 4:58 – Stereo Level Setting
- 5:23 – Channel Level Setting
- 5:38 – Phantom Power Setting
- 5:51 – Gain Setting
- 6:19 – Line Level Signals
- 7:10 – Aux Outputs
- 8:10 – Connect Audio Mixer to Scarlett Solo
- 8:30 – Balanced 1/4″ Cable
- 8:50 – Connect Audio Mixer to Scarlett Solo
- 9:20 – Computer Recording Level
- 10:29 – Monitoring Options
- 10:45 – Final Thoughts