The 'o16 provides 16 channels of output in just 10hp. Adopt a more productive workflow with uncompromising sound quality with THAT balanced drivers.
Once you have started tracking 16 or 32 channels of audio directly into your DAW, you will never go back to simple two-channel tracking again.
The 'o16, the provides about 6dB of gain reduction for audio from the 3.5mm jacks to the balanced DB-25. In practical terms, what that means is that a VCO patched directly will reach near-ideal analog to digital levels of about -15dBFS depending on how your interface is calibrated. VCAs and overdriven filters bring the levels closer to -6dBFS, allowing you to track even hot signals without making it too easy to overdrive your ADC inputs.
You'll work more efficiently with greater confidence, and in the end will just make more music.