Need more channels for live recordings on an A&H QU-16

Does anyone have experience using any I/O expander other than the Allen Heath AR84? That puppy is super expensive, but I'm looking to expand my channels because of how many members we have in our band. I have a chance to pick up a MOTU 896 for a good price and I understand its compatible. I'm looking to use it to 1- give me more live sound inputs 2- connect to the QU-16 via dsnake expander 3- record all channels + I/O from the QU-16

If using any other expanders other than the AR84, let me know which