Interfacing preferences

[wings]

Advantages/disadvantages of separate audio and midi interfaces vs a combo unit such as EZbus or Digi 002 all in one systems? Also, is midi the only way to interface control surfaces, speakers and electronics with audioI/Os & software? Would love specific suggestions and recommendations.

[Lord Wan]

The big disadvantage of combo hardware is that it's not easy to upgrade or extend one part. The same if something break down...
And sometime, price combo is more than added price of single elements...

For midi, it's another thing, you will always end-up short of number of midi ports. So if your audio system has some, take it !