Suggestions for recording off a mixer

Next weekend I am going to do a live recording of a friend's band. I have  a two channel interface (Focusrite Scarlett 8i6). From their mixer - Behringer Eurorack MX2562A - my plan "A" is to tap off an aux send-(1-2; 3/5, 4/6) - which have their own gain knobs. Sends 1 and 2 can be set to pre-or post. My main question is - would "best-practice" be to go with pre-fader, and use the send gain control to set my own mix, versus the band/PA mix? 
 
The second part of this question is what about this method -  (involves a lot more cables): come off the direct-out of every channel they use (8 in all), to a Yamaha mixer then out stereo to my interface. This way I also have seperate control of every mic; and stay seperate from the house mix.     thanx 

You definitely want to be in control of what you are putting into the mix on your DAW. Doesn't matter how you do it.

Part 2, if you have the cables....avoid the house mix at all costs and that lets you operate without having to reach across the FOH guy's board. I'd opt for this one were it me. Put on some noise reducing cans, crank it up and get the mix right.  

Mixing live to stereo 2 track  doesn't hurt for you to know the songs and know when the solo's are coming and who's taking them.  After all.... it's not like you will have 8 tracks you can remix later..... you got one take and it's stereo. 

House mix from a PA is usually only a part of the total sound because you have stage sound form amps and drums and as a result, they can be severely lacking in the house mix, especially with loud guitarists. 

Always a good idea to get you own mix for that, among other reasons. 

Have fun.... maybe post one or two songs up on the songs forum after you finish so we can hear what you did.

I guess it comes down to how familiar you are with the band's material, and how much on-the-fly mixing and effecting they need, since you're going to be basically mimicking the FOH guy's actions. I'd be tempted to use the stereo outs and let him do all the work (assuming he knows what he's doing). Then, if the band doesn't like the recorded mix, you can say "that's what it sounded like in the audience".

I love this approach --- that's how you mixed it!!! Actually about two years ago I did this and just came off the mixer's headphone jack. It actually came out very good - two members of this current band are the same. The lead guitarist (who happens to be fantastic) adjusted the house mix. even though I could not hear it that great in my phones the results were good. Hey if I do want to post some of the results what about the issue of these being cover songs??? Would I really owe someone for that??

You've actually got 4 inputs on your audio interface that can be used to record line level signals.  You could do something like record the stereo out of the house board on inputs 1/2 and then put the direct out from the vocal and  bass on inputs 3/4.  (doesn't have to be vocal and bass, just used them as an example)  Then, you'll have a little more control when you mix.

Better yet, borrow or invest in an audio device with 8 analog inputs.  You'll have a ton more flexibility tracking the direct outputs from the board and you'll be able to do a much better mix of the band.