10 Best Audio Interfaces With ADAT Input for Expanded Home Studios in 2026

Adding an audio interface with ADAT input is one of the simplest ways to expand microphone channels without replacing your entire studio setup. The right model can support everything from a compact home rig to a multi-mic recording room.

These 10 interfaces and digital expansion options cover affordable channel growth, USB-C connectivity, high-resolution recording, and more advanced routing needs. Use the guide below to narrow the choices by workflow, budget, and future expansion plans.

Best 10 Audio Interface with Adat Input Picks for 2026

Best Budget Expansion Hub – Behringer UMC1820

If you need an audio interface with ADAT input for a larger recording setup, the Behringer UMC1820 combines 18 inputs and 20 outputs with eight MIDAS-designed mic preamps. It supports 24-bit/96 kHz recording and connects to a computer over USB 2.0.

Best For: Home studios recording multiple microphones and instruments while adding ADAT-connected equipment.

Pros:

• 18×20 USB audio/MIDI configuration with ADAT I/O
• Eight mic preamps with +48V phantom power
• Supports up to 24-bit/96 kHz audio and popular recording software

Cons:

• Uses USB 2.0 rather than USB-C
• Its larger 24.35-inch width may require substantial rack or desk space

The UMC1820 is a practical choice when channel count and expandability matter more than a compact footprint or the newest computer connection.

Best Feature-Rich Rack Interface – Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen is an audio interface with ADAT input aimed at demanding studio workflows. It provides 18 inputs, 20 outputs, eight mic preamps, dual ADAT, Word Clock, MIDI, and USB-C connectivity, with recording support up to 24-bit/192 kHz.

Best For: Engineers and project studios that need extensive I/O, dual ADAT expansion, and hands-on recording tools.

Pros:

• Eight mic preamps, two Hi-Z inputs, eight line inputs, and dual ADAT
• 24-bit/192 kHz converters with a stated 122 dB dynamic range
• Auto Gain, Clip Safe, Air modes, Word Clock, and talkback microphone
• Includes bundled recording software and Hitmaker Expansion

Cons:

• Its broad feature set may be more than a small setup requires
• At eight pounds, it is less portable than compact interfaces

With unusually broad connectivity and workflow features for its class, the Scarlett 18i20 is well suited to a permanent studio built around expansion and multiple sources.

Best ADAT Mic Preamp Expander – Behringer ADA8200

The Behringer ADA8200 is a straightforward audio interface with ADAT input and output functionality for adding eight analog channels to a compatible digital setup. It features eight mic preamps, XLR inputs, and 24-bit/44.1 or 48 kHz conversion.

Best For: Studios that need an affordable eight-channel ADAT preamp and converter for expanding an existing interface.

Pros:

• Eight-channel microphone preamp configuration
• MIDAS preamps and ADAT optical output
• 24-bit conversion at 44.1/48 kHz

Cons:

• Maximum sample rate is 48 kHz
• It is primarily an expansion unit rather than a broad USB computer interface

The ADA8200 makes the most sense when your main interface already has ADAT connectivity and you want eight additional microphone inputs without adding a more complex central interface.

Best Compact Producer Interface – Focusrite Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen is a compact audio interface with ADAT input for producers who need substantial I/O without moving to the larger 18i20 format. It offers 18 inputs, 16 outputs, four mic preamps, ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI, USB-C, and 24-bit/192 kHz operation.

Best For: Producers needing flexible line and ADAT expansion in a smaller desktop-friendly interface.

Pros:

• 18 inputs and 16 outputs with ADAT, S/PDIF, and MIDI
• Four mic preamps plus two Hi-Z inputs and eight line inputs
• 24-bit/192 kHz converters with Auto Gain and Clip Safe
• Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and additional software

Cons:

• Has fewer mic preamps and outputs than the Scarlett 18i20
• Requires an external power supply

Its compact dimensions and broad I/O make the Scarlett 18i16 a strong middle ground for producers who want ADAT expansion without the larger rack-style footprint of an 18i20.

High-Channel Powerhouse – PreSonus Quantum HD 8

If you need an audio interface with ADAT input plus substantial analog connectivity, the PreSonus Quantum HD 8 is built for larger recording setups. It combines eight mic preamps, USB-C connectivity, 26 channels, and a 192 kHz maximum sample rate, with useful workflow features such as Auto Gain and re-amp outputs.

Best For: Home studios and project studios recording multiple microphones, instruments, and expandable outboard gear.

Pros:

• Eight digitally controlled MAX-HD mic preamps provide up to +75 dB of gain.
• Supports 26 channels and up to 192 kHz operation over USB-C.
• Includes Auto Gain, re-amp outputs, Universal Control, and a perpetual Studio One Pro license.

Cons:

• The supplied notes do not specify an ADAT optical input for this model.
• Its 19-inch rack-style footprint may be more than smaller setups need.

The Quantum HD 8 is a feature-rich choice when analog input count, low-latency performance, and recording software matter most. However, buyers specifically seeking confirmed ADAT input should verify the digital I/O specifications before choosing it.

Expandable Studio Hub – Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre

The Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre is a strong audio interface with ADAT input for studios that want to add compatible digital preamps or other outboard equipment. Its eight Clarett+ preamps, Air circuitry, 18-in/20-out configuration, and 192 kHz support make it well suited to detailed multitrack recording.

Best For: Studio users who need eight onboard mic preamps and straightforward ADAT expansion.

Pros:

• ADAT optical input provides eight channels of digital expandability.
• Eight preamps offer high headroom, low distortion, and low noise.
• Includes Air mode, improved converters, two headphone outputs, and Focusrite Control software.

Cons:

• At 19 inches wide and 9 pounds, it is primarily suited to a permanent or rack-based setup.
• The supplied notes do not indicate bus-powered operation.

With confirmed ADAT expansion and a broad set of analog connections, the Clarett+ 8Pre is one of the most versatile options here for building a larger studio system. It is especially appealing if you want expansion without giving up eight integrated mic preamps.

Portable ADAT Specialist – RME Digiface USB

The RME Digiface USB takes a different approach to an audio interface with ADAT input: it focuses on digital connectivity rather than built-in mic preamps. With four optical inputs and outputs, bus power, and 32-in/32-out USB operation, it is designed to connect multiple ADAT devices to a computer.

Best For: Portable digital rigs and studios that already have ADAT-equipped preamps or converters.

Pros:

• Provides four optical inputs and four optical outputs for extensive ADAT connectivity.
• Offers 32-in/32-out operation over USB and supports up to 192 kHz.
• Compact, 1.8-pound design with bus-powered operation.

Cons:

• It does not include onboard microphone preamps or analog inputs in the supplied specifications.
• Its Windows operating-system support may limit compatibility for some users.

The Digiface USB is best viewed as a digital routing interface rather than a conventional all-in-one recording interface. It is a particularly practical pick when your microphones and analog conversion are already handled by external ADAT equipment.

Best Overall – Focusrite Scarlett 16i16 4th Gen

The Focusrite Scarlett 16i16 4th Gen is a strong choice if you need an audio interface with ADAT input and enough routing flexibility for a growing project studio. Its 16 inputs and 16 outputs combine mic, Hi-Z, line, ADAT, S/PDIF, and MIDI connectivity in a compact USB-C interface.

Best For: Producers and recording setups that need extensive I/O, modern workflow tools, and high-resolution recording.

Pros:

• 16-in/16-out design with ADAT, S/PDIF, and MIDI I/O
• Two mic preamps, two Hi-Z inputs, and six line inputs
• 24-bit/192kHz converters with a stated 122dB dynamic range
• Auto Gain, Clip Safe, and Air modes support efficient recording

Cons:

• Requires an external power supply
• Its broad I/O may be more than a basic recording setup needs

Choose the Scarlett 16i16 when expansion and flexible routing matter more than keeping the setup minimal. The included software bundle also gives new producers useful tools to start recording and mixing.

Best High-I/O Value – Behringer UMC1820

The Behringer UMC1820 is a practical audio interface with ADAT input for recording rigs that need many simultaneous connections. It supports analog, coaxial S/PDIF, optical ADAT, and MIDI signals at the same time, while offering 18×20 USB connectivity and 24-bit/96kHz operation.

Best For: Home studios and project setups that need high channel counts and broad digital connectivity.

Pros:

• 18×20 USB/MIDI interface with optical ADAT support
• Simultaneous analog, S/PDIF, ADAT, and MIDI signal use
• 24-bit/96kHz recording capability
• Works with popular software including Pro Tools, Ableton Live, and Cubase

Cons:

• Maximum sample rate is lower than some competing interfaces
• Supplied notes do not specify the number of mic preamps or detailed front-panel controls

The UMC1820 makes the most sense when connection count and expansion options are priorities. Its ADAT and S/PDIF support can help integrate additional digital equipment without giving up MIDI connectivity.

Best Compact Starter – Behringer UMC404HD

The Behringer UMC404HD is a compact option for buyers who want an audio interface with ADAT input capability in a straightforward 4×4 format. It provides four inputs and four outputs, MIDI I/O, four Midas-designed mic preamps, and recording up to 24-bit/192kHz.

Best For: Small home studios recording several microphones or instruments without needing a high channel count.

Pros:

• Four inputs and four outputs with MIDI I/O
• Four Midas-designed mic preamps with +48V phantom power
• 24-bit/192kHz resolution
• Impact-resistant metal chassis

Cons:

• Its supplied specifications do not list ADAT support
• Four-channel I/O is less suitable for larger expandable rigs

The UMC404HD is best viewed as a simple, durable USB interface for small recording sessions. If ADAT expansion is essential, verify the connection requirements carefully, since the supplied product information does not identify an ADAT input.

How We Picked the Best Audio Interface with Adat Input

We focused on interfaces and digital audio products that support ADAT-based expansion or integrate directly into an ADAT-equipped recording system. Our comparison considers input and output counts, preamp quality, connection type, sample-rate support, driver and routing features, monitoring options, and overall value.

We also considered how each product fits a real recording workflow. Some are complete USB interfaces with built-in microphone preamps, while others are dedicated ADAT converters or digital bridges designed to expand an existing interface. That distinction matters when planning a system.

Quick Comparison

• Best for affordable full-system expansion: Behringer UMC1820.
• Best for an established home studio: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen.
• Best standalone ADAT expander: Behringer ADA8200.
• Best for higher-end connectivity and control: PreSonus Quantum HD 8 or Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre.
• Best compact digital bridge: RME Digiface USB.

Key Buying Factors for an Audio Interface with Adat Input

ADAT Direction and Channel Count

Check whether the unit has ADAT input, output, or both. An ADAT input lets a primary interface receive additional channels from an external converter or preamp. At common sample rates, one optical ADAT connection typically carries up to eight channels; higher sample rates may reduce the available channel count through SMUX.

Built-In Preamps Versus Digital Expansion

If you need to record microphones immediately, choose an interface with onboard preamps. If you already own a quality interface and only need more inputs, an ADAT converter can be more economical. Confirm that the external unit provides the preamp count and phantom-power controls your microphones require.

Computer Connection and Software Support

USB-C does not automatically mean the same performance across every model. Review the interface’s actual USB specification, driver compatibility, operating-system support, and included control software. Reliable routing, low-latency monitoring, and stable drivers can matter more than headline sample rates.

Clocking, Monitoring, and Future Expansion

Optical systems need compatible digital clocking. Look for word-clock options or dependable clock synchronization when combining multiple digital devices. Also check headphone outputs, monitor control, MIDI, line outputs, and whether the interface can serve as a useful centerpiece as your studio grows.

Who Should Buy Which Audio Interface with Adat Input?

Choose a Behringer UMC1820 or ADA8200 if keeping costs low and adding multiple microphone channels are the priorities. The UMC1820 is a more complete interface, while the ADA8200 is aimed at expanding an existing ADAT-equipped setup.

Choose a Focusrite Scarlett 18i20, 18i16, or 16i16 for a practical modern studio with USB-C connectivity, flexible I/O, and an approachable control workflow. Match the model to the number of analog inputs and outputs you actually need.

Choose the Clarett+ 8Pre or Quantum HD 8 when you want stronger performance features, premium conversion or preamp capabilities, and a system suited to demanding tracking and production. Choose the RME Digiface USB when portability and digital routing are more important than onboard analog microphone inputs.

Before buying, map every source and destination in your setup, including microphones, hardware processors, monitors, headphones, and expansion units. That simple inventory helps prevent paying for unused I/O while ensuring your next upgrade will work with the interface you choose.