I’m using Presonus Studio 192 with external 16 ch AD/DA via Adat. Not sure about how this interface works with all DAWs but it’s really great for me with Studio One 5 (and works without hiccups in Logic as well).
I think they have an interface called Quantum and it could be considered too, I guess. Also, the Universal Audio Apollo X4 would give you the magic of UAD if you’re ok with some sort of racked 8 CH AD/DA (Behringer’s got a good one) and having the Apollo on your desktop.
If you already have a Focusrite Clarett 8pre you could add more inputs through ADAT.
For example another Clarett 8pre or a cheaper Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre.
That’s the way I went: RME Fireface UCX (8in) + Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre (8in). Although I regret not having spent the extra buck on a Focusrite Clarett OctoPre which also has 8 more outputs (those come in handy when you want to send submixes to pedals or stuff).
Yeah, I’m thinking this is the way to go. Looking at various ADAT interfaces now. Scarlett OctoPre looks good, though also just thinking about picking up a cheaper Behringer ADA8200.
Soundcraft mtks ?
There’s the 12 and the 22 models. Those do mixing and usb interface duties.
I am using 2 ADA8200 since more than 10 years with a Focusrite Saffire 56 and they work perfectly all the time. And I sometimes only turn them on when I need them while the DAW is running without issues as well because they are controlled by the Focusrite drivers if that makes sense… I am also fine with the AD converters, but am not an audiophile 
No idea mate. I’ve had mine (the smaller 20x20 one) and its brilliant. Works fine, no issues ever.
I was surprised how cheap it is considering how much it offers. Maybe its not the highest quality , or best specs, but hey, I’m not Squarepusher, so it doesnt matter.
Yeah moreover the ADA8200 has ADAT IN/OUT where the Scarlett OctoPre only has OUT (8in => OUT => main interface). So it’s more a direct competitor of the Clarett OctoPre, which is more than 4 times the price.
Another pretty cheap / rock solid combination is: RME Digiface USB.
Then you can pile up to 4 ADA8200 (or Clarett Octopre), totaling 32 inputs.
Went through two MTK12’s and both had issues. Also thought it just felt cheap and was missing features to me. Ironically, now I have an older, all analog Soundcraft mixer that I love.
I think I am going to pick up a Scarlett OctoPre and just run ADAT. Thanks to all for the suggestions, much appreciated.
Cheers!
+1
Im using digiface and ferrofish 16, works like a charm.
The ada8200 is cheap and it works.