While the M-1620 Pro looks promising, RME keeps missing the boat on feature sets of their units. There really should be at least 2 XLR or balanced TRS outputs on the M-1620 Pro for directly connecting to an amp/pre-amp (like the M-1610 had). Also, if there was a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 connector, you could connect directly to a PC or Mac and have a truly AMAZING audio interface. Seems like 2 simple, low cost options that would vastly improve the functionality of this unit.
Same goes for the Fireface UFX III. Almost perfect feature set, EXCEPT for no AVB / Dante. Why? Why? Having AVB / Dante on the Fireface UFX III would make it the ultimate EXPANDABLE audio interface. Also needs Thunderbolt 3 or 4. The world is turning to Thunderbolt 4 / USB-4 and USB 3 with the USB-C connector. The old USB A and B connectors (even the modified USB-B connector for USB 3.0) are throwbacks to the 1990's. Please, RME, get with the program!
Every RME interface product should have an AVB or Dante connection. Right now the only real way to get your AVB / Dante network into a PC / Mac with RME products is via the Digiface AVB or Digiface Dante / Ravenna. These Digiface interfaces are so light on features that it's insulting. For being so basic and utilitarian, their price should be 1/10 of what RME is asking.
I want so badly to get fully into the RME ecosystem, because their A/D D/A converters are so fantastic. However, the haphazard implementation of feature sets into their interfaces is a deal killer. MOTU, even with their consumer grade converters, figured out the feature set ecosystem 10 years ago.
RME, you make good products. Please make them great products with just a few simple changes.