Connecting your audio interface to your DJ mixer is typically done by running cables from the audio outputs of your DJ mixer to the audio inputs of your audio interface. This allows you to record your DJ sets or route your mixer's signal into a computer for processing or streaming.
Common Scenario: Recording Your DJ Mix
The most frequent reason to connect a DJ mixer to an audio interface is to capture the audio coming out of the mixer, usually the master mix.
- Why Connect This Way? By routing your mixer's main output into your audio interface, you can record your live mixes directly into a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) or other recording software on your computer. This bypasses the computer's potentially lower-quality built-in sound card and utilizes the interface's converters for better sound quality.
Understanding Connections
To make the connection, you need to identify the appropriate ports on both devices:
- DJ Mixer Outputs: Look for the Master Output ports on your DJ mixer. These are usually labeled "Master," "Main Out," or similar. They typically use one of the following connector types:
- RCA (unbalanced)
- XLR (balanced)
- 1/4" TRS (balanced) or TS (unbalanced)
- Audio Interface Inputs: You'll need Line Inputs on your audio interface. These are designed to accept signals at "line level," which is the standard output level for mixers and other audio gear.
- Line Inputs often use 1/4" TRS or TS connectors.
- Some interfaces have combo inputs that accept both XLR and 1/4" connectors.
- Avoid using inputs labeled "Mic" unless they also explicitly state they can handle Line level (often via a switch).
Cable Types and Connection
You will need two cables to connect the stereo output of your DJ mixer to the stereo input of your audio interface (one for the Left channel and one for the Right channel).
As highlighted in audio connection guides, taking two cables, such as the Left and Right outputs of your mixer using XLR connectors, and connecting them to corresponding inputs on your interface establishes a stereo connection. This ensures that the full left and right audio signal from your mix is captured.
Here are common cable pairings based on your mixer's outputs and interface's inputs:
| DJ Mixer Output Type | Audio Interface Input Type | Recommended Cable(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| RCA | 1/4" TS (Line) | 2 x RCA to 1/4" TS cables | Unbalanced connection. Good for shorter runs. |
| XLR | XLR (Line/Combo) | 2 x XLR (Male) to XLR (Female) | Balanced connection. Better for longer runs. |
| XLR | 1/4" TRS (Line/Combo) | 2 x XLR (Male) to 1/4" TRS | Balanced connection. Better for longer runs. |
| 1/4" TRS | 1/4" TRS (Line) | 2 x 1/4" TRS to 1/4" TRS | Balanced connection. |
| 1/4" TS | 1/4" TS (Line) | 2 x 1/4" TS to 1/4" TS | Unbalanced connection. |
Steps:
- Identify the Master Output ports on your DJ mixer and the Line Input ports on your audio interface.
- Select the appropriate cable type based on the connectors. You will need two cables.
- Connect one cable from the Left Master Output of your mixer to one Line Input on your interface (often labeled "Input 1").
- Connect the second cable from the Right Master Output of your mixer to another Line Input on your interface (often labeled "Input 2"). Make sure these are treated as a stereo pair in your recording software.
Setting Levels
Once connected, make sure the output level from your DJ mixer is set appropriately (usually around unity gain or where the master meter averages 0 dB on analog mixers or -6 to -12 dBFS on digital ones) and that the input gain on your audio interface is set so the signal is strong without clipping (peaking).
Other Connection Possibilities
While recording the master mix is common, you might also connect an interface for other purposes:
- Interface Outputs to Mixer Inputs: Less common for DJing, but you could send audio from your computer to the mixer via the interface. You would connect the interface outputs to spare Line or Channel Inputs on your mixer.
- Using Interface as DJ Software Soundcard: If you are using DJ software with a controller, the audio interface often serves as the primary soundcard. Its multiple outputs are used to route different signals (e.g., Deck A, Deck B, Cue, Master) to various inputs on the DJ mixer (if using a traditional mixer) or directly to the speakers/headphones (if using the interface with an all-in-one controller). This setup doesn't involve sending the mixer's output to the interface's input in the same way as recording.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Ensure you are using Line Inputs on your interface, not Microphone inputs (unless specified as combo/switchable).
- Verify that the cables are fully seated and in good condition.
- Check that the Left and Right outputs from the mixer are connected to separate inputs on the interface, designated as a stereo pair in your recording software.
- Confirm the input source is correctly selected in your computer's sound settings and your recording software (DAW).
- Monitor levels on both the mixer and the interface to ensure a healthy signal without distortion.
Connecting your DJ mixer's master output to your audio interface's line inputs with appropriate cables provides a reliable way to record your mixes in stereo, utilizing the quality of your audio interface.
