control surface with seperate mic pre

[Shadowdog]

I have a Presonus Digimax that I am going to run to a RME Multiface. I was wondering about adding a control surface and see some that have their own Mic inputs (like the Yamaha 01X). My question is how do you get the inputs from that to my computer too. Can i use them both (to have 16 inputs)? I am having trouble seeing how that all comes together. I don't run to 2 different soundcards do I?

 

[JVanco]

use the ADAT optical I/O, or TDIF..

 

[JVanco]

if the RME has 2 optical i/o...you won't need 2 sound cards