[ardour-users] 16-24 track simultaneous recording - HW recommendations?

[MAtt]

Justin M. Streiner wrote:

>I'm looking to make the move from purpose-built DAWs (Korg, Tascam, etc) 
>to a computer-based solution to provide more mixing/mastering flexibility 
>and a more sane interface to the machine-level guts when it comes to file 
>manipulation, import/export/etc.
>
>That said, I need to be able to support recording a minimum of 16 tracks 
>simultaneously (24 preferred, or have the ability to expand to 24 later) 
>at 48 or 96 kHz.  The primary use for this would be to record live shows.
>It looks like hardware either from RME would provide good base for this.
>M-Audio also makes some nice hardware, but since the inputs and outputs 
>are often combined into the same breakout box/cable, I'd end up paying for 
>a lot of functionality that I wouldn't need in the foreseeable future, 
>i.e. the outputs.  The fact that the Delta 1010 has a rackmountable 
>breakout box is nice though.
>
>  
>
Using RME Multiface, works very well. They are rackmountable too. with 
an 16-channels ADAT AD converter you would have 32 inputs with 2 multifaces

>Since the primary purpose would be to record live shows, I need to be able 
>to handle the appropriate inputs, typically an n x 3-pin XLR-m split from 
>the stage snake or a parallel split from FOH in a similar configuration. 
>RME makes a breakout cable that includes a mix of XLR-f and XLR-m 
>connectors, but in this case, I would need all 3-pin XLR-f inputs.
>I'd like to keep the number of converter cables between the computer and 
>my XLR input points bays to a minimum.
>
>If you've built something similar, what hardware did you use to handle the 
>audio interfaces?
>
>  
>
Either a splitter, and/or a soldering iron to make the cables... ;-)
However, you would need a mixing desk or preamps...

Cheers
MAtt