Routing Advice Please - Hardware into DAW

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!!