Thanks a lot Chris, so I'll go for one of these two:

Fireface 400
Multiface+Pci

it's really a tough choice as they are so close in features...

One last question: my board have both PCI and PCIe slots, is there really a difference worth paying 100 EUR+ ?
And if yes, can I find any issues running the PCIe version on WIN XP?

thanks again, bets
dd

Hi DD,
Either PCI or PCI-e will work on that board. In the long run the PCI-e card will help "future proof" your system.
Brand new systems are lucky to have even 2 PCI slots. Some fo the newest P67/Z68 "Sandy Bridge" chipset motherboard seem to have issues in general with PCI devices as Vinark mentions.

If you will be PC based on your systems in the suture then I would also look at the Fireface UC. Firewire is becoming less and less common on PC laptops and even desktops are starting to not be included. RM'e USB devices work just as good as their Firewire.

Chris

So I went to a professional store today for a Multiface II+ HSDC PCIe.
there I learn from the salesman that that product was out of stock and that he didn't think they would get it in stock in the future, as for such a small interface, Fireface was the one that promises more longevity and performances that rival a PCIe.
As I needed and audio card now to keep working, I asked for a Fireface 400, to learn that that one was out of stock as well, replaced by Fireface UC that claims much better latency and performances than rival the Multiface+PCIe.

Chris mentioned Fireface UC as an option (PC wise) in terms of longevity and future compatibility, but is it really as good (in terms of latency and CPU load) as a PCIe???
Still looking for a new interface, mind.
Cheers
dd

The UC don't replaces the Fireface 400. It's just the same device with small improvements (new TotalMix GUI) and the USB2 connection. On the other hand there is still a high demand for high-quality FireWire interfaces from RME (Fireface 400 and 800), but as Chris wrote the FireWire port surely becomes less common in the future.

The Multiface II+ HSDC PCIe combination is still in production. So you still have the choice. But all in all the UC will do what you want - and more. It's a very successful interface and works very well for several thousands of users.

Please have a look on these videos to see for yourself:
- New York based guitar master Burr Johnson explains his low latency setup with the UC
- Guitar wizard Erlend Krauser plays an incredible solo live in concert for many people via the UC and internal plugin effects

Here is Erlend in his studio playing the same awesome solo (based on "Hurt" from Christina Aguilera) live over the UC. You can see the UC on 4:10:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vybPP7Yj … re=related

best regards
Knut

Knut, thanks a lot for those videos, very instructing. As I've been recording all MIDI in my studio through an (original) MOTU 828 for the last 9 years, those low latencies level blew my mind! Feel like I'm coming from the past...
Thanks again, I'm going for the UC After all.
Best
dd

Hi Knut. I just got a UC but it seems I'm getting a lot of snap crackle pop. I guess its my computer.  I'm wondering if I should go Firewire 400 instead. Does the UC sound the same as the FF400 or are they different? 
Thank you.
Paul

Hello , as I started this post last year, I'd  better share my experience and thoughts about the final choice.

I ended up getting a Fireface UC, I'm very happy with the overall audio quality, and  I really use TotalMix a lot. As a replacement for my 828 MK1 + fastlane combination (used for a decade) , total mix it's an improvement and RME drivers make a difference (I'm on Windows XP), I had several troubles getting 828 work, and this almost every-time I updated something important on my system. Motu's PC driver updates sometimes didn't solve any problem actually and I found myself going back to previous drivers, restoring system, etc. Not that this happens all the time, but I got used to Audio related problems from time to time over the years.
I that sense, after one single driver install+firmware update, I just forgot about it with UC. And there's no comparison about latency between 828 and UC.
Front unit's preamps are very good indeed, I use them as much as I use my Telefunken external preamps, while before with Motu's I allways found a larger difference in quality between my great telefunkens and Motu's.
So I'm happy with it and highly recommend it.
On the other hand, MIDI works very poorly, and RME tech support couldn't find any single suggestion as  how to improve this. I have several MIDI notes that remains on forever (no midi-note-off recorded, and other minor issues, and this happens always, with a couple of different DAWs. I never encountered any MIDI problems with any other MIDI interface since my first MPU 401 (used Motus, Midiman, and all)
So this is something to worry if you think this is an all in one Audio-Midi interface, for me it doesn't work and I gave up trying to get something from RME support. I've sold my fastlane, but I guess I'm buying a new one .
Bu I'll keep UC for audio of course.
Cheers
dede

So maybe the FF400 would be better for me if I'm having problems with the USB on the UC? I have an old Presonus Firpod that gets low latency and no problems but the UC sounds better to me.

I guess I better try my midi fast before I can't return it. Would MIDI on the FF400 be better or the same, you think?

Thank you for the heads up and I'm sorry you have this problem with the midi. I'll check mine soon and let you know if I have the same problem. Sounds like thew FF400 is probably the the way to go. I can't afford the UFX. The salesman I bought the UC from was hinting that Motu Ultralite might be as good as UC but he said the preamps might not be as good. Playing with the buffer setting I managed to figure out away around my latency problem with regular audio. Talk soon. Take care.

as long as I know preamps are quite the same on both FF and UC (excellent)
Latency on UC is at least as good as FF400, some say better. In my case Motu828 Firewire VS Fireface UC USB, there's no combat, UC wins hands down.
Fireface UC seems to be quite revolutionary in USB cntrollers/latency and let's face it: some PC's doesn't even carry firewire ports at all anymore.
AS for midi don't know.
If you're on Windows forget Ultralite, I worked for 15 years on Motus, great gear but Windows drivers (and support) are far from great.

Chris, it sounds like you a saying differences in latency between the Multiface and UC are hardly heard. I'm used to recording with ADAT Type 11 20 bit and not dealing with latency. Which RME unit will get me closest to that ADAT recording experience.
Thank you.

Thank you Chris, Just one more question. If I have prerecorded tracks and I want to add vocals, Which unit will allow me to have the vocals more in time with the prerecorded tracks or is there always a delay that has to be fixed later?

Thanks Chris, O.k. so if I need below 6ms to overdub vocals without having them skewed then I should get UCX or Multiface?

Thank You