Expanding inputs with the DP-88

[bobby.calamari]

Hi all

I currently use the Scarlett 6i6 interface. I've previously used the 2i2 and had no problem using either on Linux (apart from the control software!).

I need more inputs as I keep accidentally buying synthesizers. I could get the Scarlett 18i8, which has ADAT input, and later on use that to add in the Presonus DP-88, which I understand can use an ADAT input to provide 8 more audio channels, for a total of 16.

Do you think it's as simple as that? Do I need to worry about compatibility between the DP-88 and Linux, or is the DP-88 'invisible' to Linux because it's behind the 18i8? If I plugged in the DP-88 should I simply expect 8 more channels to start working? Am I being naive?

What issues should I be worrying about?

Thanks in advance!

[bobby.calamari]

I now use the Scarlett OctoPre and it works just fine under Linux.

[bluebell]

I now use the Scarlett OctoPre and it works just fine under Linux.

What's your complete setup, say, what do you connect the OctoPre to?

[bobby.calamari]

Ha! I'm very sorry; I've not been back here in a bit.

I use the Scarlett OctoPre connected to the Scarlett 18i8. Works well.

[tseaver]

What @bobby.calamari said: I have successfully plugged a Behringer Ultragain Pro-8 set of mic pres into my Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 Gen 1 interface over ADAT without issues in the past. It isn't plugged in ATM because I cannot for the life of me figure out why I would need more than 8 channels at once for my setup.

One gotcha: in addition to the ADAT cable, I also needed to plug the two together using the coax "word clock" sync cable, and configure the Behringer box to accept the Scarlett as the "word clock master."

Even before you plug the external mic preamps in, you should be able to see the 18 input channels of your interface in qjackctl or your DAW: the extra ones will just look like they are muted in hardware.