Q: output: direct vs. analog stereo?

i have a MOTU M2 audio interface (which now works with the latest alsa-ucm-conf :partying_face: )

something – either alsa-ucm-conf or some other package – gave me some new settings in the plasma volume control which i do appreciate - one of the new options is a toggle to select between “direct M2” or “analog stereo outputs + inputs”

where can i learn more about this, especially the “direct” option?