the digi002 is expandable. like it has some adat and s/pdif.

8 channels of balanced analog I/O, 8 channels of ADAT optical I/O, and 2 channels of S/PDIF I/O

- from musiciansfriend.com

(Dead Link Removed)

Thanks, I'II do some more research, but at least now I know it can be done!(i'm on a steep learning curve)

The DIGI002 has 8 analog 8 ADAT and 2 SPDIF I/Os

Now this is word of mouth-- I havn't actually used this hardware I'm about to mention, but it was recommended as the 'thing to use' with the 002 in 2003, the year I was at Full Sail.

The Focusright Octopre was said to be quite high quality preamps, and its ADAT out plugs right into the 002 (probably the 002R as well) with a small update to the Octopre.

It was advised to run Vox and Cymbols through the Octopre, and use the four mic pres on the 002 for the Snare, Kick, and Toms of a drum, as higher quality pres wouldn't do that much to improve the drums.

AGAIN, this is only REGURGITATION. I have not TRIED this, I am merely repeating it. However, if I need more than the eight ins I'm using now, I'd get the Octopre.

"Higher quality pre won't do that much to improve the drums"?????
Wanna bet?!? The snare and the kick are the CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE of a decent drum sound. There are scores of PROFESSIONAL engineers and producers who've spent their hard-earned income to put together API lunchboxes, Neve sidecars, and God knows what else to accomodate the snare and kick alone! The right pre makes a helluva difference on "just" those 2 drums!
The Focusrite name USED to represent absolute sonic integrity and quality in this business. Especially the Red Series. But the Platinum Series is their Chinese-made economy line that doesn't measure up to even the level of the Mackie Onyx line. Sorry for the rant, but...