Recording to HD I/O 16x16 Analog into PTHD

I assume most folks use a console as a front-end to the HD I/O 16x16 analog hardware to record the audio into Pro Tools. Has anyone hooked up gear like outboard Synths or Mic Pre's to an analog snake connected directly to the 16x16, skipping the need for a console?

Thanks,
Mark

Recording to HD I/O 16x16 Analog into PTHD