Anyone have experience using ADAT to extend their Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (or similar devices)?
I can buy a used Focusrite Saffire PRO 40 for about 60Euro and wanted to use it to extend my Scarlett 18i20 to get a total of 16 Mic inputs, but I don’t have any experience with ADAT and would prefer not to buy something that’ll turn out to be a 60Euro brick.
You shouldn’t have any Linux-related issues with it, ADAT will only be used to communicate between the Scarlett and Saffire.
The only issue you might run into is clock sync: If your Scarlett is your main interface (connected to your computer), and you are running an ADAT cable from the Saffire to the Scarlett, then the Saffire won’t have a clock to sync to, so you’ll need to run a second cable - e.g. another ADAT, Word Clock (BNC), or something to send clock sync to the other device.
If your second device isn’t synced you’ll probably hear pops and cracks in the audio coming from it. And, if you absolutely can’t get another cable for whatever reason, you can switch the clock master to the second device in your DAW or on the device itself.
Basically, what tasankovasara said, but with a few more details, mostly to underline how important clock sync is. And my experience is the same as theirs - a cable for sound, a cable for clock and it just works.
Also, if you go into a store and ask for ADAT cables and they look at you like you’re from the moon, they’re also called Optical Cables.
Thanks, I assume that the cable I use for transferring from DAT to pc can be used for this as well.
Yes, the Scarlett will just sync itself to the external adat signal. It’s the only option anyway because the Scarlett lacks clock inputs and has no adat output the external device could sync to.
? My Scarlett have a world-clock BNC and optical I/O (sorry for the potato quality)
You can sync over adat. And for some people it’s fine. But I would never trust it for high stakes recording. Digital pops and clicks and smearing SUCK.