10 Best Audio Interfaces With ADAT Input in 2026 for Expanding Your Studio

Choosing an audio interface with ADAT input makes it easier to expand beyond the built-in microphone preamps without replacing your entire recording setup.

These 10 options cover affordable rack interfaces, flexible USB-C models, and compact solutions for producers, bands, project studios, and hybrid workflows.

Best 10 Audio Interface with Adat Input Picks for 2026

Best Value Expansion – Behringer UMC1820

The Behringer UMC1820 is a practical audio interface with ADAT input and output for expanding a computer-based recording setup. Its eight MIDAS-designed mic preamps, 18×20 USB connectivity, MIDI, and support for up to 24-bit/96 kHz recording make it well suited to multi-microphone sessions.

Best For: Home studios and musicians who need many analog inputs plus ADAT expansion at a value-oriented price.

Pros:

• Eight MIDAS-designed mic preamps with +48V phantom power
• 18 inputs and 20 outputs over USB
• ADAT I/O supports compatible digital expansion equipment
• Works with popular software on Mac and Windows

Cons:

• Maximum sample rate is 96 kHz, below some newer alternatives
• Rack-style chassis may be more hardware than a small setup needs

The UMC1820 stands out when channel count and expansion flexibility matter more than premium extras. It is a capable foundation for recording multiple microphones and instruments while leaving room to grow through ADAT.

Premium Preamps – Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre

The Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre is an audio interface with ADAT input designed for detailed studio recording and straightforward digital expansion. It combines eight Clarett+ preamps, Air circuitry, high-performance converters, and 18-in/20-out USB connectivity in a rackmount format.

Best For: Project and professional studios seeking refined preamps, high-resolution conversion, and ADAT expansion.

Pros:

• Eight low-noise Clarett+ mic preamps with substantial headroom
• Air mode adds an analogue-style high-frequency lift
• ADAT optical input provides eight channels of digital expandability
• 24-bit/192 kHz converters and two headphone outputs

Cons:

• Higher-end features may be unnecessary for basic recording
• Rackmount design and nine-pound weight reduce portability

The Clarett+ 8Pre is a strong choice when recording quality and monitoring are priorities. Its ADAT input makes it easier to add compatible outboard equipment without replacing the main interface.

Simple ADAT Preamp – Behringer ADA8200

The Behringer ADA8200 is a focused ADAT expansion unit with eight microphone preamps and 24-bit converters. If you already own an interface with an ADAT input, it offers a direct way to add eight XLR inputs for microphones and other compatible sources.

Best For: Studios that need eight additional mic inputs through an existing ADAT-equipped interface.

Pros:

• Eight Midas mic preamps in one rack-style unit
• ADAT optical output provides eight-channel digital expansion
• 24-bit conversion at 44.1/48 kHz

Cons:

• Limited to 44.1/48 kHz operation
• Notes specify ADAT optical out rather than a broad range of interface connections
• Requires an existing ADAT-equipped interface for computer recording

The ADA8200 makes the most sense as an add-on rather than a standalone computer interface. Its straightforward eight-channel design is useful when your primary interface already supplies the ADAT input and monitoring workflow.

Modern Workflow Pick – Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen is an audio interface with ADAT input for larger recording systems that also need modern workflow tools. It combines eight mic preamps, two Hi-Z inputs, ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI, Word Clock, and 24-bit/192 kHz converters with Auto Gain and Clip Safe features.

Best For: Home and project studios recording multiple sources while wanting automatic level assistance and broad connectivity.

Pros:

• Eight mic preamps with up to 69 dB of gain
• ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI, and Word Clock connectivity
• 24-bit/192 kHz converters with 122 dB dynamic range
• Auto Gain and Clip Safe help manage recording levels

Cons:

• Its many connections and features may be excessive for simple setups
• The supplied notes identify ADAT as part of the larger I/O package but do not specify the optical channel count

The 4th-generation Scarlett 18i20 is a versatile choice for expanding studios that want more than basic ADAT connectivity. Its combination of high-resolution conversion, extensive I/O, and level-management tools supports a streamlined recording workflow.

High-Input Powerhouse – PreSonus Quantum HD 8

The PreSonus Quantum HD 8 is a strong choice for a multi-channel studio setup, with eight mic preamps, 26 channels, USB-C connectivity, and support for sample rates up to 192 kHz. While the supplied specifications do not list an ADAT input, its extensive I/O and low-latency workflow make it worth considering alongside an audio interface with ADAT input.

Best For: Home studios recording several microphones, instruments, and re-amped guitar or bass parts.

Pros:

• Eight digitally controlled MAX-HD mic preamps provide up to 75 dB of gain.
• Auto Gain helps set microphone and instrument levels quickly.
• Includes a perpetual Studio One Pro license and dedicated re-amp outputs.
• Supports 26 channels and up to 192 kHz operation.

Cons:

• The supplied notes do not identify an ADAT input.
• Its 19-inch form factor may be less convenient for compact desktop setups.

The Quantum HD 8 stands out for its eight preamps, guitar-focused instrument input, software bundle, and re-amping features. Confirm the digital expansion connections you need before choosing it for a system specifically built around ADAT.

Expansion-Ready Producer Hub – Focusrite Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen is a practical audio interface with ADAT input for expanding a recording rig. It combines four mic preamps, two Hi-Z inputs, eight line inputs, ADAT, S/PDIF, and MIDI I/O in an 18-in/16-out USB-C design.

Best For: Producers who need flexible analog and digital connectivity for a growing studio.

Pros:

• Includes ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI I/O, eight line inputs, and two Hi-Z inputs.
• Four 4th Generation mic preamps offer up to 69 dB of gain.
• 24-bit/192 kHz converters provide a listed 122 dB dynamic range.
• Auto Gain and Clip Safe simplify level management.

Cons:

• Only four mic preamps are built in, so larger microphone setups may require expansion.
• Requires an external power supply.

With ADAT already included, the Scarlett 18i16 is the most directly aligned option here for adding external preamps or converters. Its broad I/O, monitoring tools, and included software make it a versatile centerpiece for a producer’s setup.

Compact SSL Expansion Option – Solid State Logic SSL 12

The Solid State Logic SSL 12 is a compact audio interface with ADAT optical input, 12 inputs, and eight outputs. Its 192 kHz/32-bit converters, built-in talkback microphone, and software mixer with multiple headphone mixes suit tracking and monitoring in a streamlined studio.

Best For: Small professional or project studios that want ADAT expansion and flexible headphone monitoring.

Pros:

• ADAT optical input supports digital expansion.
• 192 kHz/32-bit converters offer over 120 dB of dynamic range.
• Provides up to four independent near-zero-latency foldback mixes.
• Built-in talkback microphone and comprehensive monitoring system support studio communication.

Cons:

• The supplied notes do not specify the number of onboard mic preamps.
• Includes three months of SSL Complete access rather than a perpetual plug-in license.
• The listed operating-system support specifies Windows.

The SSL 12 is a focused choice when ADAT expansion, monitoring flexibility, and SSL’s converter specifications matter more than a large built-in analog channel count. Its compact design and talkback features are particularly useful for organized tracking sessions.

Best Overall – Focusrite Scarlett 16i16 4th Gen

The Focusrite Scarlett 16i16 is a strong choice if you need an audio interface with ADAT input for a growing studio. Its 16-in/16-out layout combines mic, instrument, line, ADAT, S/PDIF, and MIDI connectivity, while 24-bit/192kHz converters and workflow tools such as Auto Gain and Clip Safe support detailed, controlled recording.

Best For: Producers expanding a home or project studio with multiple hardware connections.

Pros:

• 16 inputs and 16 outputs with ADAT, S/PDIF, and MIDI I/O.
• Two mic preamps offer up to 69dB of gain, plus Hi-Z and line inputs.
• 24-bit/192kHz converters with a stated 122dB dynamic range.
• Auto Gain, Clip Safe, Air modes, and bundled recording software add practical value.

Cons:

• Its broad feature set may be more than a simple two-input setup requires.
• It requires an external power supply.

Choose the Scarlett 16i16 when expansion and routing flexibility matter as much as recording quality. It is especially well suited to producers who expect their studio setup to grow.

Best High-Channel Value – Behringer U-PHORIA UMC1820

The Behringer U-PHORIA UMC1820 is a practical audio interface with ADAT input for recording setups that need many simultaneous connections. It supports 18×20 operation, 24-bit/96kHz audio, Midas microphone preamps, and simultaneous analog, coaxial S/PDIF, optical ADAT, and MIDI signals.

Best For: Multichannel recording rigs that need extensive I/O and broad software compatibility.

Pros:

• 18×20 USB interface supports a substantial number of inputs and outputs.
• Optical ADAT, coaxial S/PDIF, analog, and MIDI signals can be used simultaneously.
• Uses Midas mic preamps and supports up to 24-bit/96kHz audio.
• Works with popular software including Pro Tools, Ableton Live, and Cubase.

Cons:

• Its maximum sample rate is lower than interfaces supporting 192kHz.
• The supplied notes do not specify the exact number or type of mic preamp inputs.
• Software compatibility details are primarily listed for Windows and Mac OS.

The UMC1820 makes sense when channel count and connection variety take priority. It offers the core expansion-friendly connections needed for a larger recording system without focusing on ultra-high sample rates.

Best Compact Pick – Arturia MiniFuse 2

The Arturia MiniFuse 2 is a compact interface for basic recording, but it is not an audio interface with ADAT input. It provides two combo microphone/instrument/line inputs, MIDI I/O, loopback, and 24-bit/192kHz support in a portable design, making it better suited to simple setups than digital expansion.

Best For: Beginners, mobile creators, guitarists, vocalists, and small home studios that need two inputs.

Pros:

• Compact 1.1-pound design with two combo inputs and two balanced outputs.
• Supports 24-bit/192kHz audio, 48V phantom power, MIDI, and loopback.
• Includes Ableton Live Lite, Analog Lab Intro, Arturia FX, and other software.
• Offers a five-year warranty and a USB Type-A hub.

Cons:

• It does not include an ADAT input.
• Only two recording inputs are provided, limiting expansion.
• Its compact I/O is less suitable for multichannel studio setups.

If ADAT expansion is essential, look elsewhere in this roundup. For straightforward voice, guitar, synth, or MIDI recording, however, the MiniFuse 2 offers a portable workflow and a generous software bundle.

How We Picked the Best Audio Interface with Adat Input

We selected interfaces based on their channel count, ADAT compatibility, preamp quality, conversion specifications, connectivity, monitoring features, and overall suitability for real-world recording setups. The list includes complete USB interfaces with ADAT inputs as well as expanders that can add microphone channels to an existing system.

We also considered workflow differences between entry-level, midrange, and premium options. A strong choice should offer reliable drivers, practical routing, useful headphone monitoring, and enough input and output capacity for your expected sessions.

Quick Comparison

Best For	What to Prioritize	Recommended Type
Expanding an existing interface	ADAT input or output, clocking, and compatible sample rates	Dedicated ADAT expander
Band and ensemble recording	Eight or more microphone preamps	Rack-style USB interface
Hybrid studios	Line outputs, flexible routing, and MIDI	Full-featured multi-channel interface
Portable production	Compact design, USB-C, and simple monitoring	Small desktop interface

Key Buying Factors for an Audio Interface with Adat Input

ADAT Direction and Channel Capacity

Check whether the unit has ADAT input, output, or both. At 44.1 or 48 kHz, one optical connection commonly carries up to eight channels. Higher sample rates may reduce the available channel count through S/MUX, so confirm that the interface and expander support the configuration you plan to use.

Analog Inputs and Preamps

Count the microphone, line, and instrument inputs you need today—not only the maximum number available through ADAT. Built-in preamps with phantom power are useful for drums, ensembles, and multi-microphone tracking, while dedicated expanders make sense when your main interface already handles conversion and monitoring.

Conversion, Latency, and Monitoring

Higher sample rates and bit depths can be useful, but stable low-latency performance is often more important in practice. Look for direct monitoring, independent headphone outputs, cue mixes, and dependable driver support. These features can matter more than headline specifications during recording sessions.

Connectivity and Expansion

USB-C does not automatically mean faster audio performance, so evaluate the complete I/O layout. MIDI, word clock, line outputs, monitor control, and software routing can determine whether a unit fits a hybrid or growing studio. Also verify optical connector requirements and clocking options before purchasing.

Who Should Buy Which Audio Interface with Adat Input?

Choose a dedicated ADAT expander if you already own a capable interface and only need more microphone or line inputs. A rack-style interface with built-in ADAT is better for recording bands, larger ensembles, and producers who want one central USB connection. Models with extensive outputs suit hybrid studios using external preamps, compressors, synthesizers, and monitor controllers.

For a smaller project studio, prioritize straightforward setup, a manageable input count, and useful headphone monitoring over maximum channel capacity. Buyers planning to grow should leave room for future ADAT expansion and select an interface with dependable routing and compatible clocking. Before ordering, confirm your computer connection, operating-system support, sample-rate requirements, and the exact number of simultaneous inputs you need.