There are lots of different ADAT interfaces that will expand any interface that includes ADAT, not just UAD interfaces. If your interface has ADAT (which all UAD interfaces do) you will be able to expand the amount of inputs and outputs by 8. Meaning a UAD Apollo Twin with two inputs and 4 outputs can be expanded to 10 inputs and 12 outputs. Which is ideal for users who want to record more inputs or add inserts such as EQ’s, compressors or summing. Bare in mind though some ADAT interfaces are 8 in only and not 8 in / 8 out.

Behringer ADA8200

Probably the cheapest in the list at only £138. Cheap does often mean poor quality. I’d like to say that’s not the case here but it kind of is. These units are not going to be anywhere near the quality of your UAD interfaces. The plus side though is that there’s a good deal built into that price. Value for money is exceptional.

Professional microphone preamp and A/D converter
8 x MIDAS designed microphone preamps
Reference class cirrus logic 24-Bit converters for excellent A/D – D/A conversion
Premium XLR and 1/4″ TRS connectivity
+48 Switchable phantom power on all channels
Can be used as a master clock, sync’d to ADAT or word
High fidelity 44.1 / 48 kHz sample rate
1U Rackmountable Design

Behringer-ADA8200-Which-ADAT-interface-Should-I-Connect-To-My-UAD-Apollo-Interface

Focusrite Octopre Scarlett

This is the one I would recommend if you have a small budget and don’t want to spend too much. I used both the octopre and dynamic version about 10 years ago in a very old setup. I liked them at the time and found them both to work flawlessly. The main difference between the octopre and octopre dynamic is that the octopre is 8 in only and the octopre dynamic is 8 in / 8 out as well as including 8 basic compressors.

Focusrite Octopre Features

Premium-Quality, 8-Channel Expansion Preamp
8 2nd Generation Scarlett Microphone Preamps
8 Balanced Line Inputs
Precision A-D Conversion, Sample Rate Up To 192kHz
Simple ADAT Connectivity

Focusrite Octopre Dynamic Features

Premium-Quality, 8-Channel Expansion Preamp
8 2nd Generation Scarlett Microphone Preamps
8 Balanced Line Inputs
Precision A-D Conversion, Sample Rate Up To 192kHz
Simple ADAT Connectivity

Audient ASP880

The most highly recommended ADAT interface I see people recommend online is the Audient. And there is good reason for that. If you are looking to record 8 additional mics through your UAD interface this is going to get you a great result without breaking the bank. At £800 it’s our most expensive recommendation but it really is worth spending the extra money, especially if you are thinking of getting the Focusrite octopre dynamic.

World Class front end with 8 x audient console, class-a microphone preamplifiers
Pristine A/D Conversion
Variable impedance with 3 x input impedance options, perfect for ribbon mics
Variable high pass filter
instrument inputs
Plug & play – perfect for keys, drum machines & guitars!
Balanced inserts before the converters
Includes £500 worth of plugins and creative software and more with ARC Creative Hub

Conclusion

I have made sure I’ve covered every budget in this article. From the £138 to £799. If you were to offer me all 3 to install in my studio I would add the Audient to my setup. Mainly because it meets the high quality standards of my signal chains. Although saying that I would like the Focusrite octopre dynamic because you gain the ability to use ADAT in and out. As a cheap option the Behringer will be great. If your budget doesn’t allow you to spend £799 on the Adient the Behringer is going to do exactly the same job, just not to as high quality standard. You get what you pay for at the end of the day.