Can You Daisy Chain Mixers

Yes, you can daisy chain mixers, and it’s a common practice in professional audio setups.
 
If you’ve ever looked at the back of your mixer and wondered about those extra jacks labeled “Aux Out” or “Mix Out,” you’ve already seen the key to daisy chaining mixers.
 
Daisy chaining mixers simply means linking two or more mixers together so one handles the main mix while the other feeds into it.
 
This setup is incredibly useful when you run out of channels on your main mixer or need to separate different sound sources.
 
In this post, we’ll cover exactly how to daisy chain mixers, the gear you’ll need, and common mistakes to avoid.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How to Daisy Chain Mixers

Daisy chaining mixers isn’t complicated once you understand the signal flow.
 
Essentially, you take the output of one mixer and send it into an input channel of another mixer.
 
Here’s a breakdown of the most common methods.
 

1. Using the Main Output of the Sub-Mixer

The simplest way to daisy chain mixers is to connect the main output of your second mixer (the sub-mixer) to a stereo line input on your main mixer.
 
Run a pair of balanced cables (XLR or TRS ¼-inch) from the sub-mixer’s main outs to an available stereo channel or pair of line inputs on the primary mixer.
 
This method lets you control the entire sub-mixer’s volume with one fader on the main mixer.
 
It’s perfect when you have a small mixer for extra microphones and a larger mixer for everything else.
 

2. Using the Aux Send or Group Output

If you want more control over what gets sent to the main mixer, use the aux send or group outputs on the sub-mixer.
 
Connect the aux send output to a line input on the main mixer, and you can adjust how much of each channel from the sub-mixer feeds the main mix.
 
Group outputs work similarly, allowing you to send a submix (like all drums) to a single fader on the main mixer.
 
This is a great trick when daisy chaining mixers for live sound or recording.
 

3. Connecting via the Tape Out or Record Out

Some smaller mixers have a dedicated “Tape Out” or “Record Out” that works like an additional main output.
 
You can use this to daisy chain mixers without tying up the standard main outputs.
 
Just run cables from the tape out to a line input on your primary mixer.
 
This keeps your sub-mixer’s main outs free for monitoring or other tasks.
 

Important Gear Considerations When Daisy Chaining Mixers

Not every mixer will daisy chain the same way, so pay attention to your gear.
 
Here’s what you need to keep in mind.
 

1. Balanced vs. Unbalanced Cables

Whenever possible, use balanced cables (XLR or TRS) for longer runs when you daisy chain mixers.
 
Balanced cables reject noise and interference, keeping your signal clean.
 
Unbalanced RCA or TS cables work over short distances but can pick up hum if you run them too far.
 
Stick with balanced connections for professional results.
 

2. Level Matching Between Mixers

Daisy chaining mixers can introduce noise if the gain staging isn’t right.
 
Set the output level of your sub-mixer so it sends a healthy signal without clipping the input channel on the main mixer.
 
Start with the sub-mixer’s master fader at unity (0 dB) and adjust the channel gain on the main mixer accordingly.
 
Avoid cranking the sub-mixer output too high, as that adds hiss to your overall mix.
 

3. Ground Loops and Hum

When you daisy chain mixers, you’re connecting multiple pieces of gear that may share power sources.
 
This can create ground loops, which manifest as a low hum in your speakers.
 
Use a ground lift switch on your power conditioner or a direct injection (DI) box with a ground lift to solve the issue.
 
Alternatively, plug all mixers into the same power strip to minimize ground potential differences.
 

Common Scenarios Where You Might Daisy Chain Mixers

Daisy chaining mixers shines in specific situations.
 
Let’s look at three practical examples.
 

1. Live Sound with Separate Mixers for Different Sections

Imagine you have a band with a large drum kit, multiple vocalists, and a horn section.
 
You can daisy chain mixers by assigning the horn section to a small sub-mixer, then sending that whole mix to one channel on the main mixer.
 
This frees up channels on your main mixer and lets you control the entire horn section’s volume with a single fader.
 

2. Studio Recording with a Console and a Small Mixer

In a home studio, you might outgrow the number of inputs on your audio interface.
 
Daisy chain mixers by connecting a small analog mixer to your interface’s line inputs.
 
Use the small mixer to blend external gear like synthesizers or drum machines before hitting your DAW.
 
This keeps your interface channels free for microphones and DI instruments.
 

3. Podcasting or Streaming with Multiple Hosts

If your USB mixer only has two mic inputs but you have four hosts, you can daisy chain mixers.
 
Connect a second mixer via its main output to a line input on the primary USB mixer.
 
All four microphones feed into the computer as a single audio source, perfectly mixed.
 

Potential Downsides of Daisy Chaining Mixers

It’s not all roses — daisy chaining mixers has a few drawbacks.
 

1. Added Noise Floor

Every analog stage adds a tiny bit of noise.
 
When you daisy chain mixers, you’re introducing the noise floor of the sub-mixer into your main signal path.
 
Quality mixers with low self-noise minimize this, but cheap gear can become hissy.
 
Test your setup at performance volume to make sure the noise is acceptable.
 

2. Increased Complexity

More mixers mean more knobs, faders, and cables to troubleshoot.
 
Label your channels and cables clearly so you can quickly fix issues during a live show.
 
Consider using a patchbay if you frequently daisy chain mixers in different configurations.
 

3. Potential for Phase Issues

If you split a signal and then recombine it through two different mixers, you can introduce phase cancellation.
 
This happens when the same sound arrives at the main mixer at slightly different times.
 
Keep signal paths as short and direct as possible, and avoid splitting the same microphone into two mixers unless you have a proper splitter with isolation.
 

So, Can You Daisy Chain Mixers?

Yes, you can daisy chain mixers, and it’s a practical solution for expanding your inputs and organizing complex audio setups.
 
Whether you’re running live sound, recording in a studio, or hosting a podcast, daisy chaining mixers gives you flexibility without buying a massive, expensive board.
 
Just remember to use balanced cables, watch your gain staging, and avoid ground loops.
 
With a little planning, daisy chaining mixers will become an essential tool in your audio arsenal.
 
Happy mixing.