simplest way to get 8x 24/96 in a laptop?

[Havoc]

What would be the easiest/simplest/cheapest way to get 8 channels of 24/96 in a laptop? I have a RME ADI-8 and this works fine with the desktop and a RME digi9652. But I would like to make a mobile setup and just take the convertor on the road with a laptop. But then I would need a way to get a two smux adat in a laptop.

So far the only solution I found is a RME digiface (or a multiface) with an RME HDSP expresscard. But that is rather expensive for occasional use. A solution with an exprescard-pci expansion frame à la Magma is also possible but not cheaper and not simpler. I don't see a point in buying another ADDA just for the laptop.

[thorgal]

what would you do with the laptop ? record only or output stuff back ?
I don't know if this is possible but maybe a digital mixer board, outputting through firewire or USB for recording the converted data ?
of course, if you use the laptop for effects and output back, you need a way to send the data back.

[Havoc]

Forgot to add that: it will be record only. Well playback also, but not durnig record. More a laptop based version of an 8-track recorder. I fear USB won't cut it at that rate. Maybe USB3?

[mauser]

Maybe a cheap FW-recording device? The Terratec Phase 88 FW and Focusrite Saffire Pro 10 i/o are very cheap at the moment (the products were replaced by new versions) and both are running great with freebob, offering both 8i/o for around 300€.

[Havoc]

Looking for the devices you listed I found the M-audio ProFire Lightbridge. That would be perfect IF it was supported...

I could find a single shop that had the Terratec, but the Focusrite seems gone. (well at my usual shops anyway) I'll check the e-word.