The behringer s16/s32 or midas dl16/dl32 can work as a standalone digital snake connected by a single cat5.

Add extra ada8200 for additional outputs. As there exist no 24 ch versions either 16ch is the best option or you need to go the full 32ch of inputs and wasting eight..

Yes, this might work, but it costs quite some money. And I am not sure, if it is really usable. A "digital snake" needs analog/digital conversion at the input side (stage) and digital/analog conversion at the output side (FOH). And it goes on. There would be another A/D conversion at the input side of the SL 2442, and another D/A conversion at the output side. So in total there would be four analog/digital conversions, which continously add time (latency). I bet you will hear it, especially when you work with in-ear systems.

So, my answer to the question is: If you want network, you have to think of a new mixer. But the new mixer can also be smaller - or bigger. It is a chance to move on. Or you leave your SL 2442 on stage and mix with an iPad...

wahlerstudios wroteYes, this might work, but it costs quite some money.

I think that it would be around twice the cost or so as for a quality analog snake. Depending on the situation this might be a resonable cost.

And I am not sure, if it is really usable. A "digital snake" needs analog/digital conversion at the input side (stage) and digital/analog conversion at the output side (FOH).

True, but given the OP question this is a workable solution.

There would be another A/D conversion at the input side of the SL 2442, and another D/A conversion at the output side. So in total there would be four analog/digital conversions, which continously add time (latency). I bet you will hear it, especially when you work with in-ear systems.

I don't remember the latency for the s16 standalone but it is less than 0.7ms from input to output.

I do however agree that it might be time looking into a new mixer with digital snake capability instead of implementing workarounds at a quite high cost. One need to understand though that a digisnake from any mixer manufacturer will still cost a lot of money and will be a big investment, no matter who is the manufacturer.

Just my 50m (150ft?) of rugged ethernet cable on a wheel is $250 and a spare is nice to have as well so only the cables are $500...