Mixer + DAC compatibility

[Terakahn]

In a nutshell, I'm looking for the best way to have multiple channels for my mixer without spending enormous amounts of money on redundant audio gear, or needing more PCIe slots than I have.

 

Currently I have a Mackie ProFX8v2 mixer, and a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface that I use for my mic/speakers. But I'd like to keep the scarlett separate from the rest of the mixer chain and use it exclusively for my speakers.

I also have a Cavalli Liquid Carbon Amp, and Emotiva Stealth DC-1 DAC for use with my headphones. 

 

What I'm looking to do is set it up so I have mutiple audio channels I can separately control via the mixer. Commonly I see this done with a 2 PC setup, and a sound card in each system, giving an effective 4 audio channels when you factor in onboard audio.

 

Couple questions

Is it possible to use the scarlett and/or Emotiva Stealth as a 'sound card' and plug that into the mixer effectively giving me an audio channel?

Would that interfere with the DAC > Amp > Headphones chain in any way? 

Can I pick up any sound card or DAC (Such as an ODAC or Schiit Magni) and plug that into a USB hub to get my additional channels? Or would that cause issues.

 

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks =)

 

Edit: Alternatively, can I pick up a multi channel audio interface like the Scarlett 6i6 and use all of those outputs into my mixer?

 

 

[anothertom]

The only way to get more channels on your mixer... Is to get a bigger mixer.