X32 Mixer Clocking Issues with UFX+ MADI - DN32 MADI Klark Teknik

Hi RME Community,

Here is my system setup, I'll describe the details & issues below.

Setup:

• UFX+ > X32 Mixer > S16
  

  • X32 Clock Master

  • UFX+ Slave

  • S16 Slaves to X32

  • Sample rate 48khz

Images of the Control Panels are here:
https://imgur.com/a/XSFBALO

Summary:

I have a UFX+ Paired with an X32 Mixer via a DN32 MADI Klark Teknik Card.
I also have a Digital Snake (S16) paired with the X32 Mixer.
The system works in a stable manner when the X32 is clock Master, so Im using it like that & it offers great possibilities.

Questions:

• Am I missing out on any performance, sonic fidelity or otherwise by not using the UFX+ as clock master?
  

  • Why are there issues with the UFX+ as master? Is it that the MADI card is not up to the task of following the UFX+ clock?
    Anyone else experienced this or similar issues? (I saw one comment on a product review mention X32 internal clocking works best)

  • Any trouble shooting tips or should I just stick with the current setup?

  • Are there any downsides to the current setup? (e.g say I connect another device in the future & need to clock it, reduced sonic quality)

Issues:

When the X32 is the Clock Master the System works smoothly.
When the UFX+ is clock Master I have clocking issues, loud intermittent bursts of distortion.
I suspect the Madi Card or mixer doesn't like to play nice.

When the UFX+ is slave the S16 & X32 run smooth.
When the UFX+ is master the X32 screen will glitch (weird) , I'll get loud intermittent distortion & at times have issues with the S16 not connecting to the X32 or chganging settings on startup.

I suspect the system running smooth with the UFX+ as slave is one of those situations where 'the superior leader knows when to follow.' To clarify, Im guessing the the UFX+ is doing its job well when Master but the MADI card has issues accepting the clock.

When I select the X32 clocking as 'Internal' I don't toggle the UFX+ Control panel selection for clock source, that is, it remains on 'Internal'. There is an option to manually select 'Madi Optical' (how Im connected) but it simply works without doing so.

Of course having the system working in a stable manner offsets any potential gain of having the UFX+ as clock master. So I run the system with the X32 as master its ultra stable.

That being said I'm curious as to why I may be having the issue, any downsides of clocking off the X32 & any input on similar issues people may have had & what can be learnt from the experience.

Thanks in advance as always for anyone's insights & input!