WRT the digiface, and the lightpipe end.
I bought a couple minidsp's (link below), which has given new life to my firewire interfaces. And I can use my MOTU 2408s as digital switchers (patch bay-ish), this is awesome with the number of devices I have. I also use them to offload FX to other computers when a session gets heavy.
Sadly, you have to flash them to get light-pipe working, and they dont publish their code. BUT these boxes can send/recv 8ch @ 92k for those who use sample rates higher than 48k.
https://www.minidsp.com/products/usb-audio-interface/mchstreamer-box ( I use them on mac and linux )
PS: I was going to buy some apogee mic pre's and didnt know about the support issues. thanks to Michael Tibes for the note
