Mr hughblaney, I wrote the following post earlier today but refrained from posting it as I wanted to give time for someone with specialist knowledge of RME products to answer first.
Ramses fits that bill pretty well, so now I’m posting my thoughts, which I trust to be of genuine service to you. (I presume you are from Ireland. Last time I played in Ireland it was touring with American singer/Hollywood actor Pat Boone, if you can remember him).
Quote: “I have a Focusrite Saffire Pro40 which was relegated to be a mic pre after Windows 10 and Focusrite dropped it like a stone.”
Welcome to the forum. I trust someone will be along to attempt to directly answer your inquiry regarding the specific RME products.
Meanwhile I would like to address your thinking, regarding the wider strategy looking forward. With respect, I would give pause and take time to think a bit more.
I believe I’m correct in stating that in 2019 Focusright dropped all firewire development. No Windows 10 Driver. Thus, the discontinued model (probably considerably older), is now several years on from its ongoing support being dropped by Focusright. Whilst Microsoft are presently bringing out Windows 11. Things have improved in the recording interface world, in the interim.
I have considerable sympathy for your position as over the years I have purchased a number of excellent recording systems in professional use.
So, I fully understand the desire to keep using equipment one feels is fine for what you are using them for, and having no desire whatever to completely ditch them.
However, despite the wrench that involves, I found myself taking exactly that radical decision to ditch two completely good recording systems, basically because the manufacturers ongoing support for them, had ceased. There comes a time and a season for such things.
In short, I think your best move would be to invest in a new RME recording interface.
One of the great advantages of the RME interfaces is the long ongoing user support for the company’s products that extends to some products over 20 years old.
Furthermore, in the recording world as in the computer world, things advance, mic preamps improve, digital conversion improves, latency improves along with a host of substantive additional advantages, that others better qualitied in RME product knowledge could outline to you.
Beyond that, the brilliance of TotalMixFX routing system software makes areas of recording interface use that perplex and baffle many, extremely straightforward indeed. A virtual breeze in comparison to the complexities of many competitor systems. Some of which have been a nightmare for many.
I retired a few years ago, so don’t want a lot of hard work.
Therefore, my advice to you would be to make an investment in the best RME interface you can afford and build on it over time if needed.
Benefit from a superbly high, sound quality, with transparent preamps, a software system that is easy to learn and use and ongoing product support that put your mind at ease about the future.
The RME system I have is the simplest and easiest to use system I have ever owned (and I have owned quite a few from the onset of computer recording). RME Drivers are rock solid. Hailed all over the internet as exemplarity by professionals I respect.
Drive forward and thoroughly enjoy recording your music.
Don’t try to drive forward, looking backward in the rear-view mirror.
There are a great many problems that usually occur, looking two ways at once.
Avoid those issues and thoroughly enjoy being able to focus your concentration on making music!