Hi. I think I may use it for mic inputs into a DAW. If I can ever get my house finished, I might be able to start thinking more about studio stuff.
 
Clay
 

Clay --
 
I used a pair of DA-7s, linked in Tandem, for several years before moving to a different state (they remained in the studio I built for them). I used them with Samplitude. Liked them quite a bit. That said, it's a different workflow to work reaching over a console with a small display, compared to sitting comfortably with dual large-monitors. Of course, I really enjoyed having a variety of inputs always plugged in, able to monitor any sources (keyboards, CDs, guitars, digidrums, etc.) at a moment via ease of mutes and faders. Nice to be able to ride responsive faders during mixing. In my case I would record into Samplitude, mix through the DA7, and back into a master L-R of a 2nd instance of Samplitude. In some ways I really miss the workflow. In other ways, I don't miss the deskspace and have replaced the features in other ways. If I had one now, I'm sure I'd find a way to use it again. 

Hi Craigster. Thanks for that info. Interesting.

When I first read your post, my thought was: "Donate it to a school."
But, the fact that you have ADAT cards changes everything.
If you are planning on working with any kind of band or ensemble, the performers will ask for headphone mixes,  monitor mixes, a rough mix etc. I think your DA7 will be a great solution - more than just a patch bay.
 
Wilko

@Craigster91 That is the one downside to these the space they take up but the convenience of having everything connected and monitored at my disposal the room for growth and the pres in these things makes them so well worth having. Just need to find Tandem cards and get rid of these tdif cards then I will be set.

Cactus Music
Also one of the best features of all digital desks is Recalling your entire set up for a session. 
 
I have saved mixes for bands I was doing sound for and a year later it was as simple as recalling the mix. Monitors and efxs all ready to go, I would save the masking tape strip with the band names and instruments and stick it on the side panel. 
Live festivals were great if a band returned the next day! I still have those patches saved. 
In the studio this is good for switching between different tracking or possible mix downs sessions. Same drummer comes back a year later, you saved the whole thing. Of course more settings will be needed as things change, but it will be pretty darn close. 
 
Patch bays are from the old days when we had lots of outboard gear,,, I'm not sure which shed or basement mine is in now. My mixer is really my patch bay. Yours would work even more so with its 6 aux and inserts. 

Haha.  I'm fond of using them for rack space fillers. 

But I do have two Samson patchbays that I use.

I

Clay, I'd decide if you want/need the DA7.
 
If you want to make use of the preamps, processing, and physical knobs/faders... it'll be a great piece.
If you don't really need those things, it'll consume a fair bit of studio real-estate.