The next hurdle..the 01V96 only has 6 analog outputs plus a cue-buss. The fix for that was once again optical output. My choice for optical preamps was the MOTU 8-Pre. I would have rather used two of them in the rig, but they lacked D/A conversion. I could have configured the rig to work using a MOTU 828 mkII or Traveler using the onboard cue-mix as a second interface, but that option would marry 10 of the input channels to the tracks coming from the track interface at a line level input. Although this would have worked, it would also have made the rig less flexible for other uses in the future. The compromise for price, space, and D/A conversion gained Behringer a slot in the rack.

The Behringer Ultragain PRO-8 had all I needed for input and output. The problem - front mounted XLR input jacks. For most, this could be considered a show-stopper. For me, an excuse to use my skills in rocket surgery on a helpless piece of gear. The outcome, something even the doctors in phoenix would be proud of, and perfect for this application.

Custom soldered hook-up wire to circuit board.

Custom installed Whirlwind cable sleeve.

OCD cable routing.

Rocket Surgery Complete!!

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