How to Add Inputs to Your Audio Interface

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Want to push your interface inputs to new limits but don‘t know where to start? Sweetwater‘s Mitch Gallagher explains how to do so using simple accessories. Boosting your number of inputs has many benefits - you can record using more microphones, record using more external gear, or even add external preamps that have more color and personality than standard all-purpose audio interface circuitry. Mitch walks you through how to accomplish all this and more with several product recommendations for getting started on expanding your rig. Check it out!
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#Sweetwater #FocusRite #OctaPre
00:00 - Intro
01:46 - The Key: Digital I/O
02:26 - Connecting the Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre
03:15 - Making It Work
04:29 - More Options for Inputs
05:34 - The Wrap Up

[@sweetwater]

Are you ready to expand your I/O? Check out these tips from Sweetwater! Explore more studio and recording how-tos here 👉 kzbin.info/aero/PLlczpwSXEOybJLExI9WQwRA7ARVxPCPEG

[@mikey0066]

Thank you for posting this! Would love to see a similar video on I/O expansion with additional OUTPUTS, and what hardware you would recommend. Thanks so much

[@LosFicosMusic]

MITCH FOR PRESIDENT!

[@bkhiphopnews4030]

what up connecting to analog mixer???

[@909one]

Also, if you are using a Mac, you can plug in multiple USB audio interfaces, create an aggregate device in Audio/Midi prefs and this aggregate device shows up as one main device in your DAW. One device becomes the master and the other slave in terms of clocking. I even did this recently with a really old Motu Firewire device and my Digitone... works great.

[@soulsweet17]

It would be dope to create a video exhibiting this method

[@andriealinsangao613]

@@soulsweet17 Yes!

[@Insaneloop]

In windows and Linux too Asio4all

[@rafaelunplugged]

This changed the Game for me two years ago and Ive been a Mac user for 15+ years haha. Doing music for 18+! Love my Mac lol

[@BrandonofRedemption]

Agreed. I’ve done this as well.

[@benjaminfrog]

Did I miss it? Don't you also need to configure which one uses the internal clock and which one uses the external clock?

[@kevinperry3639]

That's a lot of really good info! And a great video too, thanks for sharing 🤘

[@Ibantar]

That Focusrite will probably be my choice, as I already have a panel from my control room to the tracking room with a total of 16 inputs. Thanks for this video!!!! EXTREMELY informative!

[@Spikeypup]

Nice to see you today Mitch! Great tips!

[@sinewavekings8636]

That clarett plus is very slick! I was using the inputs of the evo16 and switched to the inputs of the clarett plus and it sounded so much better, especially with the air and. What’s really cool with the unit is the inserts and the split digital output via the dsub outputs that give you 8 channels out.

[@anthonykallio]

Very helpful! Thank you, Mitch

[@DanielC__]

Audient ASP 800 worked for me when connected to my RME UCX II. Just an awesome combo.

[@iainmackenzieUK]

Outstandingly useful! Thank you Mitch

[@mallninja9805]

Step 1: Have an interface that supports additional inputs. Step 2: Add them 🤣

[@StopWars420]

Thanks I needed this advice for my next interface and drum mics

[@ocellatus._]

I love this man. Thanks for the video y'all!

[@TehSyneS]

Great video Mitch!

[@joeyshuster8569]

Ended up getting a saffire pro 40 to build off of my scarlett😭 Took some work but shes up now!

[@ChandoRibeTrack]

Keep these videos coming

[@coacharielandersson]

This was helpful! Thank you:)))

[@pekkon]

Thank you Sweetwater.

[@chamberfield1]

I have the OctoPre, which is great, but be forewarned you can only use all 8 inputs when recording at 44k. At 48k you get 6 inputs, and at 96k you only get 4.

[@boje8304]

Does connecting a second toslink improve anything, or is it hard-capped at said limits?

[@felixm1716]

@@boje8304 I think it has two ADAT outs. So you get 8 digital tracks at 96k if you are using both.

[@m.o.n.d.e.g.r.e.e.n]

great info share thanks

[@rw6169]

ADAT outputs (8 channels at up to 48kHz, 4 channels at 96kHz, 2 channels at 192kHz) Official stats from Sweetwater.

[@chamberfield1]

@@rw6169 That's correct -- I was wrong about 48k only having 6 outputs. Turns out 96k is the cut-off point.

[@heathenflair]

Thank you Mitch! 🤘

[@joesalyers]

We need manufacture to make a 2 channel spdif mic preamp I can't tell you how many times I have needed to use those 2 extra inputs on an interface yet could not find a solution!!

[@jobaecker9752]

Not more than 30 minutes ago, I was wondering how to expand my mic pres to be able to record a drum kit that needs 8 mics on its own. Then this video pops into my feed.... I need to change my computer security settings.... ;)

[@uriel-heavensguardian8949]

awesome Mitch

[@ramencurry6672]

Great video.

[@vocals07]

That’s perfect for my Apollo x6 as I want to connect an external effect unit like a lexicon or something

[@douchecraft3113]

Are there any budget options with fewer bells and whistles? (Great video BTW! Recording a live session would be ez pz with this setup)

[@navigator8222]

Behringer UMC1820. It’s great.

[@douchecraft3113]

@@navigator8222 Thanks - that looks sick! I have a 2 input Behringer right now that I love and trust, seems a no brainer.

[@lesibalanga9102]

Thanks 🙏 for the video, would the same apply for external gear like compressors

[@sweetwater]

Hi Lesiba, great question! Most compressors do not have digital inputs to expand the number of inputs - that is usually a feature only found on audio interfaces. Some do have digital outputs though that will allow them to connect to the interfrace in a similar way we connected the Clarett OctoPre. Thanks! Jason Filloramo, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1281, [e-mail]

[@flyingjewelstudios]

Another outstanding video!

[@GiovanniDre]

if anyone is having trouble doing this dont forget - YOU HAVE TO CLOCK YOUR MAIN INTERFACE TO THE EXPANDER.

[@ernestdaniels1671]

Hello @GiovanniDre, can you explain what you mean by, "YOU HAVE TO CLOCK YOUR MAIN INTERFACE TO THE EXPANDER." I have the Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen as an Audio I/0 and the Scarlett OctoPre as the unit for expanding my outputs. I connect the ADAT Toslink cable to the IN of the 18i20 ADAT port and connect the other end of the cable to the Out of the OctoPre ADAT Out. I then set the OctoPre to 48K sample rate and the 18i20 to the same. I also set the 18i20 clock to ADAT and the Digital I/O mode to Dual ADAT and the OctoPre clock is set to Internal. My problem is that the lock symbol on the front of OctoPre never comes on (Turns Green). Are you using a BNC cable to sync your devices also? I can see the ADAT Inputs and Outputs when I go into my DAW after setting up the ADAT connection in Focusrite Control for the 18i20. what am I missing for the Scarlett OctoPre lock to light up?

[@J-DUB-F1]

Early on I went this route when I had a Presonus digimax. It worked great for what it was, but then I started investing in lunchbox pres. Using the Digimax or any other optical out 8ch pre was not ideal at all. I would borrow an old Alesis Ai3 to get the extra 8 inputs. What is today's equivalent to the old Ai3, that doesn't cost $1000-3000 ?

[@KingMoodaStudios]

I bought a Focusrite Scarlett Octopre from Sweetwater to expand my I/O for my drum studio (interface is Tascam Celesonic) and instantly got the sound I was looking for. There's a WIDE variety of preamp, interfaces, channel strips, etc but knowing they all do mostly the same thing helps when deciding major factors like cost. The Octopre was around $400-$450, but most of those others are at least $600 or more (not counting the behringer). Yes you get what you pay for. Just saying to maintain a certain perspective when shopping for gear. The right purchase will always be worth it.

[@kieran4512]

Which options seemed best to you? Having a hard time finding what my options even are for an expansion interface! Presonus 1824c user here.

[@KingMoodaStudios]

@@kieran4512 Presonus has an excellent preamp called the Digimax D8 (which is discontinued so you may have to hunt for it). If you research best home studio preamps, the Focusrite Scarlett Octopre comes up, as well as a few others in the video, namely the ones from Art , SSL, Behringer, and Universal Audio. If I didn't already have a Focusrite, I'd go for an Art or a Tascam Dyna 8p. But like Mitch Gallagher said, it's best to take the time and comb through details to find the one that best suits your needs. Cheers my friend. 👍🏿

[@kieran4512]

@@KingMoodaStudios Thank you so much man, this is gonna help out immensely! So essentially the device I’m looking for (to expand my interface) is really any 8 channel pre amp, correct? I was thinking I needed a specific “expander” type of device this whole time, but that totally helps demystify

[@KingMoodaStudios]

@@kieran4512 A lot of it depends on what you're doing and what you need. Example: if you're a guitarist or vocalist, you could do well with a 1-2 channel or 4 channel preamp, which gives a lot of variety and processing power for much less cost. The 8 channel preamps are usually for expanding a studio and its auditory capabilities. Art, Grace Audio, Warm Audio, SSL, and Neve all make fantastic preamps with 2 - 4 preamps depending on the model. Most of the high quality preamps with a full 8 channels are listed in the video. 👍🏿

[@kieran4512]

@@KingMoodaStudios You’re a legend, mate. Mostly looking to add more synths and drum machines to my set up, so gonna search for the right machine for me! This is def enough to get me started 🙏🏼

[@wilkopiano]

What is unclear many times is how you have to create a mix bus for 4 hardware stereo synths mixed down to one channel in a DaW. Arming separate channels doesn’t work well in ableton when live looping. Keeping a single stereo mix bus armed whilst live switching to record separate loop channel strips for vst instruments is a real faff in a live situation. Have to turn off exclusive arm but then push2 has this crazy 1.5 second delay when arming each track again in a live situation means you miss your queues to come in on the right beat because of the 1.5 second delay. Doesn’t happen when you exclusive arm. So I tend to use outboard mixer to mix down the hardware synths before entering the interface as just a stereo pair.

[@KevboKev]

How does this differ from adding a patch bay? I assume because with a patch bay, you are still only limited to the number of inputs that your audio interface has? And by adding an OctoPre, for example, you are getting an additional 8 stereo inputs?

[@sweetwater]

Hi, Kev! Thanks for your interest. You are correct on the first point: just using a patch bay won’t expand the number of analog inputs on your interface, but adding a multichannel preamp with a digital output will. One clarification though: the OctoPre will add either eight mono channels or four stereo, not eight stereo. Feel free to contact me directly with further questions, and thanks again! Caleb Lowrey, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1620, [e-mail]

[@Getry]

Is there anyway to connect external extra inputs and still using my audio interface's converter only?

[@KevboKev]

1:50 - I see each channel has insert and then the combined XLR/TRS cable. This allows for stereo input into each channel? I'm a keyboardist, so looking to hook up more than the two I already have hooked up. Thanks!

[@DaveMcCall]

Inserts would add a line level send/return for each channel after the preamp... so, for example, you could have a separate analog hardware modulation or delay (or whole string of analog outboard gear) on each channel. The cable you'd plug into the insert would be a Y cable, with one side of the Y being the send (to your outboard gear) and the other side of the Y being the return (after all your outboard gear). These would function like analog inserts on a mixer. On a device like the Octopre, the advantage is you can do all your analog processing before your signal gets converted to digital (rather than converting to digital right away, then having to convert from digital to analog to do analog processing, then back to digital from your analog processing... instead of converting three times, you'd just be converting once, presumably maintaining higher audio quality and fidelity because of that).

[@sweetwater]

Hi Kevbo, thanks for the question! No, this does not allow for stereo input. The Combo jack is the main input that feeds the preamp. The insert is a send and return that operates on a TRS for using external gear like a compressor or EQ. You will need to use two inputs to take the stereo signal from your keyboard! If you have more questions, give me a ring. Drake Sobehrad, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 3271, [e-mail]

[@freshsince1985]

Just picked up one trying to learn the routing

[@richardharmon9596]

I like to add a sub mixer or something like an UAD X6 or X8 and run my separate mic pres into the line level input BYPASSING the internal mic pre of your interface

[@justme-eb6lz]

i have the roland studio capture, it has 16 ins so i dont have the need to expand the inputs

[@davidasher22]

Can this be done with a Scarlett 18i20 into the Apollo? Will it function just like the Octopre? Or will there be issues with routing and or clocking?

[@sweetwater]

Hey David, great question! You can absolutely add a Scarlett 18i20 to an Apollo this way! To maintain proper clocking you can sync via the ADAT port. Clock signals follow the direction of the audio, so if you are using an Apollo twin with just the Optical In, you will need to clock from the 18i20. The 18i20 will also need to be set to stand-alone mode to work as a bank of preamps. If you have further questions, give me a ring! Drake Sobehrad, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 3271, [e-mail]

[@mr.k-lon5224]

What do you guys recommend if a person wants to add multiple outputs from their interface, in other words have 16 or 24 channels in the box and want to come out of the box into a analog mixer, to mix out of the box and back into the Interface.

[@sweetwater]

Hello! Our team would be glad to look into options with you. When you have a moment, please give us a call at [phone] or email us at [e-mail]. You may also visit www.sweetwater.com/about/contact Thanks for the message!

[@veerchasm1]

Long live ADAT!

[@pyramydseven]

BRILLIANT

[@cornerliston]

... and #4: using external FX. But that might be the next video about multi channel ADDACs.

[@alainszyller615]

What about a simple mixer ? Hardware synths --> Mixer --> Audio/MIDI interface

[@chickenlickin3820]

wow that super 8 so cool!

[@TheLeon1032]

ye that's what i thought))

[@michaeljensen8211]

👍 thanks

[@PeacelandMusic]

Thank you! AWSUM! Is it possible to add more than 8 channels somehow? Peace

[@sweetwater]

Hey, James! It depends on what interface you have and the digital I/O it has available. ADAT has limitations on the channel count depending on the sample rate you use, but some interfaces will have additional sets of ADAT in/out. There are also some interfaces (like the Universal Audio Apollos) that can be daisy chained together via thunderbolt cables to increase inputs and outputs. It just comes down to planning for what you need. If you want to dig into any of that I would be happy to help. Feel free to reach out to me directly! Connor Smith, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1793, [e-mail]

[@indi2174]

Can u add it to USB mixer that has a internal audio interface ? USB mixer is an Alesis/MultiMix-4-USB-FX-Four-channel-Mixer-with-Effects-and-USB-Audio-Interface

[@sweetwater]

Hi Indi, thanks for your question! Unfortunately, the Alesis MultiMix mixers would not be expandable in this way, as they do not have any external ADAT or digital inputs available. You could potentially use this along with another interface as an aggregate sound device to get more inputs. You can follow our guide on that here: www.sweetwater.com/sweetcare/articles/aggregate-audio-devices-and-drivers-for-pc-and-mac/ If you have any more questions, give me a ring! Drake Sobehrad, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 3271, [e-mail]

[@michaelmeneses08]

If the octopre is connected thru adat optical. Does it still need to be connected to the computer via usb?

[@sweetwater]

Hey, Michael! Great question. It really depends on how you have it set up. If you have ADAT going in to the octopre, you can connect it via USB to run it as the primary interface, but if you’re just sending ADAT out you can set up the initial routing on your computer and then run it in standalone mode so that you don’t have to have it connected to the computer. The only interface that needs to be connected to the computer directly in that setup is the primary interface. Hopefully this helps! Connor Smith, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1793, [e-mail]

[@ernestdaniels1671]

Hello Mitch, I have the Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen as an Audio I/0 and the Scarlett OctoPre as the unit for expanding my outputs. I connect the ADAT Toslink cable to the IN of the 18i20 ADAT port and connect the other end of the cable to the Out of the OctoPre ADAT Out. I then set the OctoPre to 48K sample rate and the 18i20 to the same. I also set the 18i20 clock to ADAT and the Digital I/O mode to Dual ADAT and the OctoPre clock is set to Internal. My problem is that the lock symbol on the front of OctoPre never comes on (Turns Green). Are you using a BNC cable to sync your devices also? I can see the ADAT Inputs and Outputs when I go into my DAW after setting up the ADAT connection in Focusrite Control for the 18i20. what am I missing for the Scarlett OctoPre lock to light up?

[@sweetwater]

Hi Ernest, great question! You shouldn’t need to use the Word Clock to sync, but that would work. It seems like you have your set-up wired correctly, there is one thing I did notice though. You have the Digital mode set to ‘Dual ADAT’ which expects the ADAT inputs to be at 88.2 or 96. If you set the digital mode back to the default (SPDIF as RCA), then it may lock in for you! Give that a try and if you are still having some issues, give me a ring! Drake Sobehrad, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 3271, [e-mail]

[@ernestdaniels1671]

@@sweetwater Hello Mitch, I am sorry, I forgot to inform you that all is ok and the 18i20 worked well with the Scarlett Octopre once I did as you suggedsted and took it out of DUAL ADAT. The 18i20 has a green lock when it's synced, the Scarlett Octopre just shows a green button. but that is its signal for being synced. Thanks for your support. 👍👍👍

[@bkhiphopnews4030]

what up connecting to analog mixer???

[@JamItJohn]

Question to anyone that may know this. Interfaces are usually limited with guitar inputs. With the instructions in the video how can I get more guitar inputs. Thanks

[@buschovski1]

@Fantom 7X Hey man i have a question. Ive got a mic pre with one input. Id like to know if i can expand it with a DI with more XLR I/O. Id be going into either an Apollo Solo or a Zoom L-12 mixer(as an interface)not sure which yet. Thanks in advance if you can answer this.

[@AlexBritez]

I am a total noob. My son is drummer and many times people with mixers are not able to support all my sons drum mics for live performances. Would I use something like this?

[@analogkid4557]

I still have a 20 bit ADAT machine. Also, you gotta be a sucker using interfaces. For 800 bucks I got two Zoom R16s and can record 16 tracks at once and have 32 tracks total. I have had them for 6 years and never had a problem. But, I guess if you wanna record with a higher sample rate than 48k, these won't do it.

[@CantonMasterDrummer]

Strange, I was just discussing this topic a few days ago with a buddy of mine. What I find stupid, however, is that the Scarlett 18i20 ($400+ interface) requires an additional interface to open the 10 other channels and if choosing something like this you’re spending another $700+ for that. Lol.

[@kieran4512]

Bought a Presonus 1824c thinking i’d, idk... HAVE ACCESS to all those ins/outs? Lol seems to be the nature of these devices, but no one ever sits you down to explain. Also I think it’s a little sleazy to market your interfaces with numbers different from the amount of immediately available input/outputs. Def a marketing thing. 18 sounds better than 8 lol

[@jondnz]

How to Add Inputs to Your Audio Interface Buy another interface Huh!

[@awpMusic1]

Good video but ADAT is a very fragile connection and in my opinion not suitable for pro use. I've used it and it wasn't reliable for me. I've gone for a Presonus StudioLive 32R to give me 32 channels for my synth studio.

[@lessecretsduson]

forgot a key point !!!! clocking, if you forget (in that case) to put the X4 in slave, you'll have few surprises, for new users (as I was 20 years ago) I did this mistake !!!!

[@reinhardklamm9628]

An other way is using Dante or AVB Devices !

[@Fastvoice]

Unfortunately my Apollo Arrow has no digital input - so these possibilities don't apply. 🙄

[@megyalilaballad]

What is the “optional 8 channel card” / “digital I/O” card you are referring to to convert A/D? What examples are there? - also, have you gained weight recently?

[@scottbyler2649]

What language are you speaking?

[@jondnz]

How to Add Inputs to Your Audio Interface Buy another interface

[@gkol69]

The title is misleading: It doesn't say that you have to have ADAT inputs on your audio interface and we assume it applies to EVERY audio interface! I had to watch half the video to find out.