With an interface like a 18i20, that would be the more flexible configuration. That allows up to (8) of the Mackie mic pres to be recorded to separate tracks instead of just the mix. If it doesn't work, the routing in the mixer or interface is probably set incorrectly - it's not the connection.Īnother, probably more useful set up, would be to tap some of the Mackie channel strip 'Insert'outs and route those directly to some of the 18i20 line inputs. Turning on phantom power on the interface can damage the mixer. Don't ever connect using a XLR/XLR to a mic input. There should be no problem at all connecting the Mackie Mains to a line input using a pair of balanced XLR to TRS cable.

Any channels connected to the interface outputs should never be added to a mix routed to the main outputs. Any connection back to the mixer presents a possibility of setting up a feedback loop around the interface, so you must be fully aware of the routing. There are obviously a lot of ways to get the interface back into the mixer, but you're probably better off connecting the active monitors to the interface main outputs, and using another set of outputs for external effects sends to the mixer. Depends entirely on why you want to return the interface outs to the mixer. The most common (simple, stereo only) way is to connect the Mackie mains to a line input of the 18i20 and a pair of the line-outs from the interface either to the tape returns on the Mackie, a stereo channel strip line input, or and AUX return.

Connect audio interface to mixer