Audio interfaces...the outputs.

[signoiz88]

Hello fellow hombres.
I wanted to ask about audio interfaces, and in particular, the I/O section. Now, I do understand that the ins allow for how many simultaneous input sources can come together and possibly be recorded or whatnot, but as to the other side. The ''O''. What kinds of things can you do with outputs and what are the advantages to having so many.

Off the top of my head I understand:
- Main outs for monitors
- ADAT lightpipe for digital expansion of another 8 channels
- Headphone outs
- MIDI I/O I suppose
- Are there secondary mains for connecting possibly a second set of monitors.

If I'm missing any, would someone please fill me in, and maybe just talk about what you think the relevancy of having the outs are. In essence, what kinds of outs are ''make it or break it'' for you.

Thanks.

 

[Massive Master]

If you're using analog summing, headphone mixes, aux sends, any analog gear at all really -- If you need to mult outputs -- More options than I can think of.

 

[TimOBrien]

There are still people who use outboard compressors and eq and other fx units, too.

 

[aaronmcoleman]

Yup outboard compressors, monitors, that's it for me. But any analog gear.