Hi there. I run Pro Tools on a Mac Pro and am about to upgrade my monitoring system from a 2.0 to a 5.1 setup. I was looking at different firewire and usb interfaces with 6 analog outs, like the Fireface UC USB 2.0, but then started thinking about the PCIe cards from RME, since I have a Mac Pro that can accommodate them. I am a newbie regarding PCIe interfaces other than from Digidesign, since I use Pro Tools, but with Pro Tools 9 that's not going to be an issue anymore.

I was wondering if you could tell me the main advantages that the PCIe cards from RME have over the firewire and usb cards.

And also recommend the best PCIe card with 6 analog outs that would suit a 5.1 system.

Many thanks,

Gunnar