003r expandability

[carterpiano]

I would like to be able to run more than 8 channels(mike and inst.)at a time for live studio recording. Whats the best way to expand the number of preamps and lines in? I have some quality pres I can use along with the existing channels. I'm not using a mixer - all in the box. Thanks in advance for leads and advice...Rick

[ejwells]

4 via 003 mic pres
4 via analog ins
8 via lightpipe (Octopre, Digimax, etc)
2 via S/PDIF

18 max simultaneous inputs

[albee1952]

Add a Presonus DigimaxLT for 8 more mic inputs. That's the fastest way to have 12 mic ins plus 4 line ins(handy for keyboards or drum machines).

[carterpiano]

are the pres on the octopre or digimax an issue? what if I want to use more than four boutique pres thru the oo3? is there an interface that converts multiple pre signals to a useable 003 input? If so which would you reccommend? clueless but trying to get good sound...

[albee1952]

The most elegant solution costs a bit more. The Focusrite ISA428 with the digital option card. It is a 4 channel class A mic pre based on the ISA110 with selectable impedance, great metering, instrument inputs and balanced inserts. The cool part is that the digital card is an 8 channel piece and there are 4 line inputs on the back where you can patch 4 of any other analog mic pre out there. I have a UA LA-610 patched and it works great. Just don't count on the soft-clip limiter actually preventing a digital over as it is a little too slow or insensitive. Otherwise, it has been a great addition to my setup.