this post was submitted on 06 Oct 2025
19 points (100.0% liked)

Linux

59125 readers
989 users here now

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

Rules

Related Communities

Community icon by Alpár-Etele Méder, licensed under CC BY 3.0

founded 6 years ago
MODERATORS
 

Anyone have experience using ADAT to extend their Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (or similar devices)?

I can buy a used Focusrite Saffire PRO 40 for about 60Euro and wanted to use it to extend my Scarlett 18i20 to get a total of 16 Mic inputs, but I don't have any experience with ADAT and would prefer not to buy something that'll turn out to be a 60Euro brick.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] spex@lemmy.world 3 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

You shouldn't have any Linux-related issues with it, ADAT will only be used to communicate between the Scarlett and Saffire.

The only issue you might run into is clock sync: If your Scarlett is your main interface (connected to your computer), and you are running an ADAT cable from the Saffire to the Scarlett, then the Saffire won't have a clock to sync to, so you'll need to run a second cable - e.g. another ADAT, Word Clock (BNC), or something to send clock sync to the other device.

If your second device isn't synced you'll probably hear pops and cracks in the audio coming from it. And, if you absolutely can't get another cable for whatever reason, you can switch the clock master to the second device in your DAW or on the device itself.

Basically, what tasankovasara said, but with a few more details, mostly to underline how important clock sync is. And my experience is the same as theirs - a cable for sound, a cable for clock and it just works.

Also, if you go into a store and ask for ADAT cables and they look at you like you're from the moon, they're also called Optical Cables.

[–] wildflower@lemmy.world 2 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Thanks, I assume that the cable I use for transferring from DAT to pc can be used for this as well.

[–] nocteb@feddit.org 1 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Yes, the Scarlett will just sync itself to the external adat signal. It's the only option anyway because the Scarlett lacks clock inputs and has no adat output the external device could sync to.

[–] wildflower@lemmy.world 1 points 2 weeks ago

? My Scarlett have a world-clock BNC and optical I/O (sorry for the potato quality)

[–] bridgeenjoyer@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 weeks ago

You can sync over adat. And for some people it's fine. But I would never trust it for high stakes recording. Digital pops and clicks and smearing SUCK.