You can use the 4 XLR mic pres on the 003 and buy another 4 mic pres and go in the other 4 1/4 inch inputs... that's 8.

Or buy an 8 channel preamp with ADAT out. 003 can do 8 in via ADAT at 48K. and you can still use the 4 XLR pres at the same time.
Something like this.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DigiMaxFS/

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DigiMaxD8/

I have a Focusrite Octopre running ADAT into a 002 rack and am very satisfied with it. 4U rack space with a pwer conditioner. It is a very compact portable rig. I will say though the built in compressors don't get used that much. I am sure the Presonus gear listed above will do the trick as well.

I have the 002 rack and the Octopre as well. I'm not as thrilled with the Octopre. Not that bad. Just another 8 pres in the same general quality range as the digi and my A&H mixer. If I knew then what I know now I'd have bought an API 3124+ and lived with 8 channels plus the spdif (I have a bass pod pro for that). It's more money for fewer channels, but quality over quantity.

If you really need the channels look at the Mackie Onyx units while you are looking at the Octopre and the Personus units.

The ADAT is easy to hook up. You need a lightpipe cable and you need to set the clock in the 003 to sync with the ADAT.

And while running this with the 003 all lets say 8 or 12 of the the channels will be able to arm at the same time and simultaneously record into protools correct?

With 8 channels running to the ADAT and 2 using spdif you can get up to 18 recording simultaneously.

Well this is really good to know. Do you think I may encounter problems when having maybe 4 drums on seperate preamps and 4 on the 003 preamps? Aren't I going to get different sounds?

pfactionbrett wrote: Well this is really good to know. Do you think I may encounter problems when having maybe 4 drums on seperate preamps and 4 on the 003 preamps? Aren't I going to get different sounds?

Nothing wrong with different sound for different drums. I'd make sure the overhead were matched and the toms were matched. Other than that you are free to choose. Just to show you how much fun this can get A Designs will sell you a six-pack of their [[url=http://[/URL]="http://www.adesigns…"]500 series preamps[/]="http://www.adesigns…"]500 series preamps[/] (scroll to the bottom) with different flavors for toms, snare, kick, and overheads.

Another question - don't mean to be rude if this doesn't apply. How much experience have you had with recording drums? Are you sure you want 8 mics? I know it's standard for certain types of music, and people sort of expect it. But it's not always necessary, and it can get in the way when you are starting out. I use four mics - two overheads, snare, and kick. Works fine for the type of jazz, country, and folk that I record.

Not taken rude in any way.

I have not had much experience with drums. I also don't intend to jump into it as I have made it seem. I am simply a very curious person. I like to look at recording gear absorbing as much knowledge as a can about everything....so out of curiousity I ask a lot of questions about a lot of things. I have started recording drums with 4 mics using "recorderman's" technique. I have spent a bit of time with this and I am actually pretty pleased with the latest results i've had with it.

right now no, I don't want 8 mics, nor do I have the money for any of this at this point in time just simply trying to learn.