I have a Focusrite Scarlett 18i8, with 8 inputs I need another two analogue inputs and were thinking of buying a cheap analog to digital converter, to add two more channels into either the SPDIF or optical input of the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8........ any ideas or recomendations?

 

the t.mix mix 802 - 75 € ---> www.thomann.de/de/the_t.mix_mix_802.htm

 

ADAT Behringer ADA8200 Ultragain
You can find it second hand for peanut and experiment enough to see if you need more.
Most ppl don't need more

You will get 8 inputs

 

Thanks for the intrest, The behringer is mic only inputs, I need more line inputs.

 

Thanks for the intrest, The t-mix has no digital outputs

 

it has line inputs as well

 

Yes your correct, I was looking on the rear panel,The behringer has the line inputs on the front, Due to where its located the inputs must be out of sight, i.e. on the rear panel. But you are corect and I apologise.

 

My idea was this: free up 2 stereo jacks in the Scarlet and connect 2 devices to the mixer, and route the outputs to 2 free mono jacks in the Scarlet; that's how I would do it.

 

That was a good idea and I had this set up before, but I'd like to Control all inputs from software ie studio one this slows for one ASIO connection, by setting it up your way I couldn't control the t-mix from the software ie studio one

 

Yes, I understand, user @ItsFine has already recommended the appropriate ADAT to you,

www.thomann.de/de/behringer_ada_8200_ultragain.htm -->159 EUR

Make full use of your Scarlet by using the ADAT interface!!!

Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen Specifications
Inputs 18: Analog (8), ADAT (8), S/PDIF (2)
Outputs 10: Analog (4), Headphones (2 x 2), S/PDIF (2)

 

Sadly, apart buying a bigger audio interface, you can only use 1 soundcard at a time in ASIO.
There is one workaround (not so stable may be) : using TWO audio interfaces and ASIO4ALL (or similar) that merge several audio interfaces in one.

You can even try with your integrated audio interface and your external one