It has come time for a new interface and here's what I'm looking for.

- digital connection for 2 channel of ADC + DAC (BLA Sparrow AD and DA which also has headphones)
- extra spdif coaxial + adat input for additional ADC
- midi

The most important thing for me is going to be getting a tight sync for recording a external drum machine, so that is why I would favor going the PCIe route in order to make response via midi AS RESPONSIVE and tight as possible.

Is a RME device right for me?  I am considering a UCX which would probably give me great performance until I can get a high quality ADC and DAC but the UCX would leave me with only 1 adat input which would limit recording of a synth via spdif but I can live with that.

The UFX would give me all the digital I need + more, but I would have no use for all the extra audio outputs.  The direct recording though is super enticing just to be able to press a button to record on demand.  On the other hand I feel the UFX is just going to be using way to much power for what I'm looking for.

And PCIe is a serious contender for me because I like to have things neat and tucked away and not be needing extra connections and AFAIK the latency is ever so slightly better on these.  It's a big step to get a pcie device because I admit I am used to the desktop utility range of device which has 'all-in-one' support and ease of use - but terrible performance!  As I mentioned before my priority for my interface device is to use in with great sync to some midi instruments and do improve my conversion I am willing to get additional DAC and ADC like the BLA Sparrow.

Is the Madi and Madi XT range a contender?

any thoughts welcome