OK, my brain is tired and I have never done this before - so I'm looking for some advice.
 
I have 16 channels of audio going from my AI's into a HARDWARE MIXER that I am using for summing.  I want to insert a Hardware Compressor on my mix buss.
 
I have L/R XLR Main outs coming out of the mixer.
 
I am thinking I would like to have my Hardware Compressor as an insert option via my patchbay, so I can use it for other things too.  But barring that, I have come up with the two following routing scenarios:

1)

• Main Out (L/R) from Mixer into 2 Channels (Focusrite Pro 40), say 3 & 4.  
• Direct Line out (3 & 4) from Focusrite (L/R) into 2 spots on the patchbay.
• {THIS IS WHERE I WOULD INSERT THE COMPRESSOR}
• 2 Lines from Patchbay back into Focusrite say, channels 1 & 2
• into DAW - Stereo Print Track with receive from 1 & 2
• RECORD on this Stereo Track Real time

 
2)

• Main Out (L/R) from Mixer into Patchbay (XLR to 1/4" cable)
• {THIS IS WHERE I WOULD INSERT THE COMPRESSOR}
• 2 Lines from Patchbay to Focusrite, say channels 1 & 2
• into DAW - Stereo Print Track with receive from 1 & 2
• RECORD on this Stereo Track Real time

 
Advice?

Thank you!!
 

As far as I can see either routing should work.

Personally I'd be inclined to put the compressor between mixer and interface simply to avoid an extra trip through the interface and any additional AD/DA conversion or gain staging involved. If the compressor accepts a balanced input (XLR or TRS) I'd also try and keep everything balanced, so I'd not use a patchbay if it's an unbalanced one.

Yea, the lack of inserts become a lot of trouble when your system grows.
 
@

tlw
As far as I can see either routing should work.

Personally I'd be inclined to put the compressor between mixer and interface simply to avoid an extra trip through the interface and any additional AD/DA conversion or gain staging involved. If the compressor accepts a balanced input (XLR or TRS) I'd also try and keep everything balanced, so I'd not use a patchbay if it's an unbalanced one.

tlw
As far as I can see either routing should work.

Personally I'd be inclined to put the compressor between mixer and interface simply to avoid an extra trip through the interface and any additional AD/DA conversion or gain staging involved. If the compressor accepts a balanced input (XLR or TRS) I'd also try and keep everything balanced, so I'd not use a patchbay if it's an unbalanced one.

That ws my concern too TLW, but considering my cable run is less than 13 feet would it really matter whether it is balanced/unbalanced?  I hear that it starts becoming a problem if you go more than 20 sound-wise.
 

even short, unbalanced cable runs can be problematic if you live next to a radio or power station.  But if you don't hear anything at loud levels, you are probably OK.  Just keep the cabling as simple as possible.  The connectors are where a lot of problems creep in.

Yes, well I build my own cables and use quality components. I am using shielded cable too. Balanced connections and runs no longer than 15 feet. Many much shorter.

I actually have everything working now, and I have it set up where I can patch the compressor I am going to use as a BUSS compressor in my signal path during mixing and mixdown - if I so desire.  I wanted to do that so I could also use it - if desired - during tracking and for other things - so it's not a "one trick pony".  Short balanced patch cables is what I'm using.