Hello Rob and others, I am finally getting somewhere with this two mixer setup. I just bought myself a second Behringer 2442 mixer (the first one is 10 years old) in order to get double the channels, identical features, double the direct outputs for recording and 8 sub groups instead of four, so effectively a 32 channel mixer set using two 16 channel mixers (poor man's studio
).
As I said earlier, I do not intend using one mixer as a sub mixer daisy chained to the other because one reason is just multiplying the gains and effects (or to leave them at zero - so practically not putting the mixer to full use) and for another reason which is to keep it simple.
Once all the 16 outputs from the mixers are recorded onto my computer using the audio interface, the output from the audio interface is to be then sent back into the mixer channels for mixing, effects processing and finalising the mix for mastering.
During the recording and mixing stage, I intend using the monitor speaker / control room outputs from the Berries, but then there was a problem of how to deal with two stereo monitor outs. One way, I read on Reddit, was to use something called ART SPLITMIX4, a passive mixer with multiple options of summing and splitting. The four inputs are stereo, so I would still have two channels free. Specs are good, input and output impedances are at acceptable levels.
artproaudio.com
Only drawback is the 12 dBu (max) insertion loss with the ART, which perhaps I should be able to compensate by turning up the power amplifier volume. Since the monitoring channels are separate from the Direct Outs, the Main Outs and the Subgroup Outs, there is no risk as such of spoiling the recording levels. However, there could be a risk of hearing a "false" volume level, probably different from that being recorded.
Input monitoring on the audio interfaces can be done visually using the interface display screen.
The foregoing is only a summary of my thoughts after what I read online. I have no experience of this but I sincerely do want to achieve what I have to.
I shall be grateful if someone can chip in with his / her experience on similar setup.