Topic: UCX II vs older models

I'm currently in the process of changing my studio set-up - which is only a small homestudio with a couple of acoustic instruments, guitars and synthesizers.
One thing I would like to change is my audio interface. I have been using an M-Audio M-Track 8 for the last couple of years and I'm sick of it. I feel like the quality is extremely poor (I have to open the input gains almost all the way for it to receive something), it crashes my computer from time to time (blue screen attributes it to its drivers) and I just want something more compact.

After weighing my options I feel like an RME interface would suit me best. I would have opted for a Babyface pro but I would like to have at least more than 2 outputs.

I was wondering now if I should just buy a new UCX II over an older model. The UCX II would cost me about 1100 euros whereas a used UCX I would cost me 700 - that way I could also buy other stuff.
Is there (quality wise) a lot of difference between the two models? I've read the UCX II comes with a lot of extra features. But I'm not sure if I need all those extra features - my use of interfaces has always been pretty rudimentary. I'm not a technical guy and just like to record things as fast as possible.

The question has probably been asked a million times. But would I benefit a lot from buying a UCX II or is it meant for the more professional musician?

Re: UCX II vs older models

Hi
For sure the UCX II is an incredibly good audio interface, also for professionals.
But to my ears (I'm a professional, classical trained musician), even my Fireface 400 which I bought in 2009 (!) still sounds very good, so does the Babyface pro I also have (mainly bought for use on an iPad). Especially the preamps of both this units let me record whatever I want - good results are guaranteed even with cheap ribbon mics which need lots of gain.
The 1st gen. UCX or another slightly older RME interface is certainly much better than the M-Audio interface you have now. RME delivers stable drivers to use older units also on current Windows and macOS versions.

UCX - FF 400 - Babyface pro - Digiface USB - ADI-2 (original)
Mac mini M1 - Macbook pro - iPad Air2

Re: UCX II vs older models

UCX II, more features and many improvements:
https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=33222

If you want to compare the interfaces, see my Excel sheet:
https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=35156

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14