I don't have first hand experience with any of these but one alternative is the MOTU Audio 2408mk3. It has the 24 channels of ADAT I/O. But it also has other I/O which you may not need. If one really gets what one pays for, the RME Digiface may be the right choice because it won't have the extra unneeded I/O.

Take a look at http://www.audiomidi.com/hardware/audio.cfm, they have good list of audio interfaces. After an hour or two of poking around there it might confirm your choice of one of the RME products or reveal an alternative.

And, to repeat what others have said, make sure that whatever you get is compatible with the pc (mac, intel, amd) and software that you already have.

DH,
What part of your system are you speaking of? The computer? Are you looking for a soundcard solution? Kurt

I need them as i/o to the computer. I currently have an Echo Layla, but need more ADAT i/o's (The Layla only has 8 ADAT channels). My thought is to replace the Layla with the RME (or whatever brand I end up with). I want to have 16 channels to go in and out to a digital mixer, then 8 more to go i/o from my main 8-channel Mic Preamp.

I am currently re-thinking this strategy however, and thinking about another solution to help save some money right about now...the economy sucks, and that is deadly for a salesman!

I use the Frontier Designs Dakota. That has 16 in/out on lightpipes and spdif. I got mine at GC for $400. Then the Montana card may be added for another 16 in/out and wordclock connection. This card has worked flawlessly for me and the drivers are excellent. Kurt

Hey Fats...

Thanks for that info. I saw the Fontier stuff (which has a great reputation), but figured that with both cards (Dakota and Montana) it would be more expensive than the RME 96/52, but as it turns out, they are about the same price.

Hmmm...I need to go out and read some product reviews.

DH,
One thing.. the Frontier is only 24/48 ...no 96k.. Kurt

I use a Dakota and a Montana and sierra midi .I also have 2Tango converters and also a RME- ADI-8DS CONVERTER .You can't go wrong with this setup Adat light pipe for digital boards, Adat transfer via light pipe.Go for it!! One or the other RME-and Frontier love them both!!!!!!!

The RME HDSP 9652 does have a word clock connection. I am selling one barely used if you are interested.

rob darling

robdarling@mail.com

917.843.4329

Thanks, I just got my RME card this week, and have it up and running already...it is really awesome!

DH,
That is great.. :tu: what are you doing with your Echo box? Are you still using it for analog to digital conversion? Kurt