+<p>
+Aggregate devices provide a method to use multiple soundcards as
+a single device. For example, you can "aggregate" 2 different
+8-channel devices so that you can record 16 channels into Ardour.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+ If you are using a <strong>single</strong> typical 3rd party
+ audio interface (such as those from Apogee, RME, Presonus, and many
+ others), <strong>OR</strong> you are using JackPilot or a similar
+ application to start JACK, you do not need to worry about this.
+</p>
+
+<p>You will need to set up an aggregate device <strong>ONLY</strong> if either of the following conditions are true:</p>
+
+ <ul>
+ <li>You want to use two entirely separate
+ devices <strong>AND</strong> want to start JACK using Ardour.</li>
+ <li>You want to use your builtin audio device <strong>AND</strong>
+ want to start JACK using Ardour.</li>
+ <li>You want to use more than two entirely separate devices</li>
+ </ul>
+
+<p>In the case of your builtin audio device, you will need to create
+ an aggregate device that combines "Builtin Input" and "Builtin
+ Output" into one device.
+</p>
+