diff --git a/Makefile.am b/Makefile.am
index 5bcef999..ded3afc7 100644
--- a/Makefile.am
+++ b/Makefile.am
@@ -1,3 +1,6 @@
+# remove -h for tar (follow symlinks) to avoid endless include/alsa/alsa/...
+am__tar = $${TAR-tar} cof - "$$tardir"
+
 ACLOCAL_AMFLAGS = -I m4
 
 SUBDIRS=doc include src
@@ -20,14 +23,6 @@ AM_CPPFLAGS=-I$(top_srcdir)/include
 rpm: dist
 	$(MAKE) -C utils rpm
 
-dist-hook:
-	-chmod -R a+r $(distdir)
-	@if ! test -z "$(AMTAR)"; then \
-		$(AMTAR) --create --verbose --file=- $(distdir) | bzip2 -c -9 > $(distdir).tar.bz2 ; \
-	else \
-		$(TAR) --create --verbose --file=- $(distdir) | bzip2 -c -9 > $(distdir).tar.bz2 ; \
-	fi
-
 doc-dummy:
 
 doc: doc-dummy
diff --git a/configure.ac b/configure.ac
index 232cce1b..9810fd4a 100644
--- a/configure.ac
+++ b/configure.ac
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 dnl Process this file with autoconf to produce a configure script.
 AC_PREREQ(2.59)
-AC_INIT(alsa-lib, 1.2.15.1)
+AC_INIT(alsa-lib, 1.2.15.3)
 
 AC_CONFIG_SRCDIR([src/control/control.c])
 AC_CONFIG_MACRO_DIR([m4])
diff --git a/src/control/control_remap.c b/src/control/control_remap.c
index 7d90d7ad..80a0f43b 100644
--- a/src/control/control_remap.c
+++ b/src/control/control_remap.c
@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@
 #include <stdint.h>
 #include <stdbool.h>
 #include <stdarg.h>
+#include <limits.h>
 #include <unistd.h>
 #include <string.h>
 
@@ -97,8 +98,11 @@ typedef struct {
 
 typedef struct {
 	snd_ctl_t *child;
-	int numid_remap_active;
+	bool list_complete;
+	bool numid_remap_active;
 	unsigned int numid_app_last;
+	unsigned int list_first;
+	unsigned int list_last;
 
 	size_t numid_items;
 	size_t numid_alloc;
@@ -125,6 +129,8 @@ typedef struct {
 } snd_ctl_remap_t;
 #endif
 
+static int remap_load_list(snd_ctl_remap_t *priv);
+
 static snd_ctl_numid_t *remap_numid_temp(snd_ctl_remap_t *priv, unsigned int numid)
 {
 	priv->numid_temp.numid_child = numid;
@@ -137,6 +143,8 @@ static snd_ctl_numid_t *remap_find_numid_app(snd_ctl_remap_t *priv, unsigned int
 	snd_ctl_numid_t *numid;
 	size_t count;
 
+	if (numid_app == 0)
+		return NULL;
 	if (!priv->numid_remap_active)
 		return remap_numid_temp(priv, numid_app);
 	numid = priv->numid;
@@ -151,6 +159,8 @@ static snd_ctl_numid_t *remap_numid_new(snd_ctl_remap_t *priv, unsigned int numi
 {
 	snd_ctl_numid_t *numid;
 
+	if (numid_app == 0)
+		return NULL;
 	if (priv->numid_alloc == priv->numid_items) {
 		numid = realloc(priv->numid, (priv->numid_alloc + 16) * sizeof(*numid));
 		if (numid == NULL)
@@ -187,6 +197,8 @@ static snd_ctl_numid_t *remap_find_numid_child(snd_ctl_remap_t *priv, unsigned i
 	snd_ctl_numid_t *numid;
 	size_t count;
 
+	if (numid_child == 0)
+		return NULL;
 	if (!priv->numid_remap_active)
 		return remap_numid_temp(priv, numid_child);
 	numid = priv->numid;
@@ -282,8 +294,11 @@ static int remap_id_to_child(snd_ctl_remap_t *priv, snd_ctl_elem_id_t *id, snd_c
 {
 	snd_ctl_remap_id_t *rid;
 	snd_ctl_numid_t *numid;
+	bool reloaded = false;
+	int err;
 
 	debug_id(id, "%s enter\n", __func__);
+_retry:
 	rid = remap_find_id_app(priv, id);
 	if (rid) {
 		if (rid->id_app.numid == 0) {
@@ -295,13 +310,19 @@ static int remap_id_to_child(snd_ctl_remap_t *priv, snd_ctl_elem_id_t *id, snd_c
 		}
 		*id = rid->id_child;
 	} else {
-		if (remap_find_id_child(priv, id))
-			return -ENOENT;
 		numid = remap_find_numid_app(priv, id->numid);
-		if (numid)
+		if (numid) {
 			id->numid = numid->numid_child;
-		else
-			id->numid = 0;
+		} else {
+			if (reloaded || priv->list_complete)
+				return -ENOENT;
+			/* build whole numid mapping */
+			err = remap_load_list(priv);
+			if (err < 0)
+				return err;
+			reloaded = true;
+			goto _retry;
+		}
 	}
 	*_rid = rid;
 	debug_id(id, "%s leave\n", __func__);
@@ -329,6 +350,7 @@ static int remap_id_to_app(snd_ctl_remap_t *priv, snd_ctl_elem_id_t *id, snd_ctl
 			id->numid = numid->numid_app;
 		}
 	}
+	debug_id(id, "%s rid %p\n", __func__, rid);
 	return err;
 }
 
@@ -466,9 +488,8 @@ static int snd_ctl_remap_card_info(snd_ctl_t *ctl, snd_ctl_card_info_t *info)
 	return snd_ctl_card_info(priv->child, info);
 }
 
-static int snd_ctl_remap_elem_list(snd_ctl_t *ctl, snd_ctl_elem_list_t *list)
+static int _snd_ctl_remap_elem_list(snd_ctl_remap_t *priv, snd_ctl_elem_list_t *list)
 {
-	snd_ctl_remap_t *priv = ctl->private_data;
 	snd_ctl_elem_id_t *id;
 	snd_ctl_remap_id_t *rid;
 	snd_ctl_numid_t *numid;
@@ -483,13 +504,17 @@ static int snd_ctl_remap_elem_list(snd_ctl_t *ctl, snd_ctl_elem_list_t *list)
 		id = &list->pids[index];
 		rid = remap_find_id_child(priv, id);
 		if (rid) {
-			rid->id_app.numid = id->numid;
-			*id = rid->id_app;
+			assert(id->numid > 0);
+			rid->id_child.numid = id->numid;
 		}
 		numid = remap_find_numid_child(priv, id->numid);
 		if (numid == NULL)
 			return -EIO;
 		id->numid = numid->numid_app;
+		if (rid) {
+			rid->id_app.numid = id->numid;
+			*id = rid->id_app;
+		}
 	}
 	if (list->offset >= list->count + priv->map_items + priv->sync_switch_items)
 		return 0;
@@ -510,9 +535,39 @@ static int snd_ctl_remap_elem_list(snd_ctl_t *ctl, snd_ctl_elem_list_t *list)
 		}
 	}
 	list->count += priv->map_items + priv->sync_switch_items;
+	if (list->offset < priv->list_first)
+		priv->list_first = list->offset;
+	if (list->offset == priv->list_last && list->offset + list->used > priv->list_last)
+		priv->list_last = list->offset + list->used;
+	priv->list_complete = priv->list_first == 0 && list->count == priv->list_last;
 	return 0;
 }
 
+static int snd_ctl_remap_elem_list(snd_ctl_t *ctl, snd_ctl_elem_list_t *list)
+{
+	snd_ctl_remap_t *priv = ctl->private_data;
+
+	return _snd_ctl_remap_elem_list(priv, list);
+}
+
+static int remap_load_list(snd_ctl_remap_t *remap)
+{
+	snd_ctl_elem_list_t list;
+	int err = 0;
+
+	memset(&list, 0, sizeof(list));
+	do {
+		err = _snd_ctl_remap_elem_list(remap, &list);
+		if (err < 0)
+			break;
+		err = snd_ctl_elem_list_alloc_space(&list, list.count);
+		if (err < 0)
+			break;
+	} while (list.count != list.used);
+	snd_ctl_elem_list_free_space(&list);
+	return err;
+}
+
 #ifndef DOC_HIDDEN
 #define ACCESS_BITS(bits) \
 	(bits & (SNDRV_CTL_ELEM_ACCESS_READWRITE|\
@@ -1674,6 +1729,7 @@ int snd_ctl_remap_open(snd_ctl_t **handlep, const char *name, snd_config_t *rema
 
 	priv->numid_remap_active = priv->map_items > 0 || priv->sync_items;
 
+	priv->list_first = UINT_MAX;
 	priv->child = child;
 	err = snd_ctl_new(&ctl, SND_CTL_TYPE_REMAP, name, mode);
 	if (err < 0) {
diff --git a/src/control/ctlparse.c b/src/control/ctlparse.c
index b23234d7..3bd86435 100644
--- a/src/control/ctlparse.c
+++ b/src/control/ctlparse.c
@@ -156,8 +156,10 @@ char *snd_ctl_ascii_elem_id_get(snd_ctl_elem_id_t *id)
 int __snd_ctl_ascii_elem_id_parse(snd_ctl_elem_id_t *dst, const char *str,
 				  const char **ret_ptr)
 {
-	int c, size, numid;
+	char buf[64];
+	int c, size;
 	int err = -EINVAL;
+	long l;
 	char *ptr;
 
 	while (isspace(*str))
@@ -168,12 +170,23 @@ int __snd_ctl_ascii_elem_id_parse(snd_ctl_elem_id_t *dst, const char *str,
 	while (*str) {
 		if (!strncasecmp(str, "numid=", 6)) {
 			str += 6;
-			numid = atoi(str);
-			if (numid <= 0) {
-				fprintf(stderr, "amixer: Invalid numid %d\n", numid);
+			ptr = buf;
+			size = 0;
+			while (*str && *str != ',') {
+				if (size < (int)sizeof(buf)) {
+					*ptr++ = *str;
+					size++;
+				}
+				str++;
+			}
+			*ptr = '\0';
+			if (safe_strtol(buf, &l) < 0)
+				l = -1;
+			if (l <= 0 || l >= INT32_MAX) {
+				snd_error(CONTROL, "Invalid numid %ld (%s)", l, buf);
 				goto out;
 			}
-			snd_ctl_elem_id_set_numid(dst, atoi(str));
+			snd_ctl_elem_id_set_numid(dst, (int)l);
 			while (isdigit(*str))
 				str++;
 		} else if (!strncasecmp(str, "iface=", 6)) {
@@ -200,7 +213,6 @@ int __snd_ctl_ascii_elem_id_parse(snd_ctl_elem_id_t *dst, const char *str,
 				goto out;
 			}
 		} else if (!strncasecmp(str, "name=", 5)) {
-			char buf[64];
 			str += 5;
 			ptr = buf;
 			size = 0;
diff --git a/src/error.c b/src/error.c
index e575f2eb..df8ba522 100644
--- a/src/error.c
+++ b/src/error.c
@@ -34,6 +34,8 @@
 #include <stdarg.h>
 #include <string.h>
 
+static void snd_lib_error_default(const char *file, int line, const char *function, int errcode, const char *fmt, ...);
+
 /**
  * Array of error codes in US ASCII.
  */
@@ -281,7 +283,8 @@ int snd_lib_log_filter(int prio, int interface, const char *configstr)
 	if (interface > 0 && interface <= SND_ILOG_LAST && debug_config.interface_levels[interface] > 0) {
 		level = debug_config.interface_levels[interface];
 	} else {
-		level = debug_config.global_level;	}
+		level = debug_config.global_level;
+	}
 
 	if (level == 0)
 		level = SND_LOG_ERROR;
@@ -290,6 +293,8 @@ int snd_lib_log_filter(int prio, int interface, const char *configstr)
 	return prio <= (int)level;
 }
 
+static void snd_lib_error_vdefault(const char *file, int line, const char *function, int errcode, const char *fmt, va_list arg);
+
 /**
  * \brief The default log handler function.
  * \param prio Priority value (SND_LOG_*).
@@ -317,6 +322,12 @@ static void snd_lib_vlog_default(int prio, int interface, const char *file, int
 		local_error(file, line, function, errcode, fmt, arg);
 		return;
 	}
+	if (snd_lib_error != snd_lib_error_default) {
+		if (prio == SND_LOG_ERROR)
+			snd_lib_error_vdefault(file, line, function, errcode, fmt, arg);
+		/* ignore other priorities - restore old behaviour */
+		return;
+	}
 
 	if (!snd_lib_log_filter(prio, interface, NULL))
 		return;
@@ -443,6 +454,25 @@ static void snd_lib_error_default(const char *file, int line, const char *functi
 	va_end(arg);
 }
 
+/**
+ * \brief The default error handler function.
+ * \param file The filename where the error was hit.
+ * \param line The line number.
+ * \param function The function name.
+ * \param errcode The error code.
+ * \param fmt The message (including the format characters).
+ * \param arg Optional arguments.
+ * \deprecated Since 1.2.15
+ *
+ * Use snd_lib_vlog handler to print error message for anonymous interface.
+ */
+static void snd_lib_error_vdefault(const char *file, int line, const char *function, int errcode, const char *fmt, va_list arg)
+{
+	char msg[512];
+	vsnprintf(msg, sizeof(msg), fmt, arg);
+	snd_lib_error(file, line, function, errcode, "%s", msg);
+}
+
 /**
  * \ingroup Error
  * \deprecated Since 1.2.15
diff --git a/src/seq/seq.c b/src/seq/seq.c
index 49f013e0..b9d9c041 100644
--- a/src/seq/seq.c
+++ b/src/seq/seq.c
@@ -4431,8 +4431,7 @@ int snd_seq_event_output_pending(snd_seq_t *seq)
  * \brief drain output buffer to sequencer
  * \param seq sequencer handle
  * \return 0 when all events are drained and sent to sequencer.
- *         When events still remain on the buffer, the byte size of remaining
- *         events are returned.  On error a negative error code is returned.
+ *         On error a negative error code is returned (including -EAGAIN).
  *
  * This function drains all pending events on the output buffer.
  * The function returns immediately after the events are sent to the queues
@@ -4444,19 +4443,15 @@ int snd_seq_event_output_pending(snd_seq_t *seq)
  */
 int snd_seq_drain_output(snd_seq_t *seq)
 {
-	ssize_t result, processed = 0;
+	ssize_t result;
 	assert(seq);
 	while (seq->obufused > 0) {
 		result = seq->ops->write(seq, seq->obuf, seq->obufused);
-		if (result < 0) {
-			if (result == -EAGAIN && processed > 0)
-				return seq->obufused;
+		if (result < 0)
 			return result;
-		}
 		if ((size_t)result < seq->obufused)
 			memmove(seq->obuf, seq->obuf + result, seq->obufused - result);
 		seq->obufused -= result;
-		processed += result;
 	}
 	return 0;
 }
diff --git a/src/topology/ctl.c b/src/topology/ctl.c
index a0c24518..322c461c 100644
--- a/src/topology/ctl.c
+++ b/src/topology/ctl.c
@@ -1250,6 +1250,11 @@ int tplg_decode_control_mixer1(snd_tplg_t *tplg,
 	if (mc->num_channels > 0) {
 		map = tplg_calloc(heap, sizeof(*map));
 		map->num_channels = mc->num_channels;
+		if (map->num_channels > SND_TPLG_MAX_CHAN ||
+		    map->num_channels > SND_SOC_TPLG_MAX_CHAN) {
+			snd_error(TOPOLOGY, "mixer: unexpected channel count %d", map->num_channels);
+			return -EINVAL;
+		}
 		for (i = 0; i < map->num_channels; i++) {
 			map->channel[i].reg = mc->channel[i].reg;
 			map->channel[i].shift = mc->channel[i].shift;
diff --git a/src/ucm/Makefile.am b/src/ucm/Makefile.am
index 7108968f..f13ec118 100644
--- a/src/ucm/Makefile.am
+++ b/src/ucm/Makefile.am
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 EXTRA_LTLIBRARIES = libucm.la
 
 libucm_la_SOURCES = utils.c parser.c ucm_cond.c ucm_subs.c ucm_include.c \
-		    ucm_regex.c ucm_exec.c main.c
+		    ucm_regex.c ucm_repeat.c ucm_exec.c main.c
 
 noinst_HEADERS = ucm_local.h ucm_confdoc.h
 
diff --git a/src/ucm/main.c b/src/ucm/main.c
index 21a39a34..72315d28 100644
--- a/src/ucm/main.c
+++ b/src/ucm/main.c
@@ -1702,7 +1702,7 @@ const char *parse_open_variables(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr, const char *name)
 {
 	const char *end, *id;
 	char *args, *var;
-	snd_config_t *cfg, *n;
+	snd_config_t *cfg = NULL, *n;
 	snd_config_iterator_t i, next;
 	char vname[128];
 	size_t l;
@@ -1739,7 +1739,8 @@ const char *parse_open_variables(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr, const char *name)
 	}
 
 skip:
-	snd_config_delete(cfg);
+	if (cfg)
+		snd_config_delete(cfg);
 	return end + 3;
 }
 
@@ -1780,7 +1781,7 @@ int snd_use_case_mgr_open(snd_use_case_mgr_t **uc_mgr,
 		card_name = parse_open_variables(mgr, card_name);
 
 	/* Application developers: This argument is not supposed to be set for standard applications. */
-	if (uc_mgr_get_variable(mgr, "@InBoot"))
+	if (uc_mgr_get_variable(mgr, "@InBoot", false))
 		mgr->in_boot = true;
 
 	err = uc_mgr_card_open(mgr);
diff --git a/src/ucm/parser.c b/src/ucm/parser.c
index a76be776..2d7833e9 100644
--- a/src/ucm/parser.c
+++ b/src/ucm/parser.c
@@ -391,7 +391,7 @@ static int evaluate_define(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr,
 	snd_config_iterator_t i, next;
 	snd_config_t *d, *n;
 	const char *id;
-	char *var, *s;
+	char *var, *s, *sid;
 	int err;
 
 	err = snd_config_search(cfg, "Define", &d);
@@ -427,8 +427,18 @@ static int evaluate_define(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr,
 			snd_error(UCM, "value names starting with '@' are reserved for application variables");
 			return -EINVAL;
 		}
-		err = uc_mgr_set_variable(uc_mgr, id, s);
+		sid = (char *)id;
+		if (uc_mgr->conf_format >= 9) {
+			err = uc_mgr_get_substituted_value(uc_mgr, &sid, id);
+			if (err < 0) {
+				free(s);
+				return err;
+			}
+		}
+		err = uc_mgr_set_variable(uc_mgr, sid, s);
 		free(s);
+		if (id != sid)
+			free(sid);
 		if (err < 0)
 			return err;
 	}
@@ -495,7 +505,15 @@ static int evaluate_macro1(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr,
 		err = snd_config_get_string(args, &s);
 		if (err < 0)
 			return err;
-		err = snd_config_load_string(&a, s, 0);
+		if (uc_mgr->conf_format < 9) {
+			err = snd_config_load_string(&a, s, 0);
+		} else {
+			err = uc_mgr_get_substituted_value(uc_mgr, &var2, s);
+			if (err >= 0) {
+				err = snd_config_load_string(&a, var2, 0);
+				free(var2);
+			}
+		}
 		if (err < 0)
 			return err;
 	} else if (snd_config_get_type(args) != SND_CONFIG_TYPE_COMPOUND) {
@@ -509,7 +527,7 @@ static int evaluate_macro1(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr,
 		if (err < 0)
 			goto __err_path;
 		snprintf(name, sizeof(name), "__%s", id);
-		if (uc_mgr_get_variable(uc_mgr, name)) {
+		if (uc_mgr_get_variable(uc_mgr, name, false)) {
 			snd_error(UCM, "Macro argument '%s' is already defined", name);
 			goto __err_path;
 		}
@@ -711,9 +729,9 @@ int uc_mgr_evaluate_inplace(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr,
 			    snd_config_t *cfg)
 {
 	long iterations = 10000;
-	int err1 = 0, err2 = 0, err3 = 0, err4 = 0, err5 = 0;
+	int err1 = 0, err2 = 0, err3 = 0, err4 = 0, err5 = 0, err6 = 0;
 
-	while (err1 == 0 || err2 == 0 || err3 == 0 || err4 == 0 || err5 == 0) {
+	while (err1 == 0 || err2 == 0 || err3 == 0 || err4 == 0 || err5 == 0 || err6 == 0) {
 		if (iterations == 0) {
 			snd_error(UCM, "Maximal inplace evaluation iterations number reached (recursive references?)");
 			return -EINVAL;
@@ -747,9 +765,12 @@ int uc_mgr_evaluate_inplace(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr,
 			return err4;
 		if (err4 == 0)
 			continue;
-		err5 = evaluate_condition(uc_mgr, cfg);
+		err5 = uc_mgr_evaluate_repeat(uc_mgr, cfg);
 		if (err5 < 0)
 			return err5;
+		err6 = evaluate_condition(uc_mgr, cfg);
+		if (err6 < 0)
+			return err6;
 	}
 	return 0;
 }
@@ -804,7 +825,7 @@ static int parse_libconfig1(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr, snd_config_t *cfg)
 	if (file) {
 		if (substfile) {
 			snd_config_t *cfg;
-			err = uc_mgr_config_load(uc_mgr->conf_format, file, &cfg);
+			err = uc_mgr_config_load_file(uc_mgr, file, &cfg);
 			if (err < 0)
 				return err;
 			err = uc_mgr_substitute_tree(uc_mgr, cfg);
@@ -3417,6 +3438,7 @@ static int parse_toplevel_path(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr,
 		}
 
 		ucm_filename(fn, sizeof(fn), version, dir, file);
+		snd_trace(UCM, "probing configuration file '%s'", fn);
 		if (access(fn, R_OK) == 0 && lstat64(fn, &st) == 0) {
 			if (S_ISLNK(st.st_mode)) {
 				ssize_t r;
@@ -3448,6 +3470,7 @@ static int parse_toplevel_path(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr,
 				}
 				free(link);
 			}
+			snd_trace(UCM, "using directory '%s' and file '%s'", dir, file);
 			if (replace_string(&uc_mgr->conf_dir_name, dir) == NULL)
 				goto __enomem;
 			if (replace_string(&uc_mgr->conf_file_name, file) == NULL)
diff --git a/src/ucm/ucm_cond.c b/src/ucm/ucm_cond.c
index b909c6b2..f7147f59 100644
--- a/src/ucm/ucm_cond.c
+++ b/src/ucm/ucm_cond.c
@@ -38,10 +38,70 @@ static int get_string(snd_config_t *compound, const char *key, const char **str)
 	return snd_config_get_string(node, str);
 }
 
-static int if_eval_string(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr, snd_config_t *eval)
+typedef int (*string_compare_t)(const char *s1, const char *s2);
+
+static int compare_strings(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr, snd_config_t *eval,
+			   const char *key1, const char *key2,
+			   string_compare_t compare)
 {
 	const char *string1 = NULL, *string2 = NULL;
 	char *s1, *s2;
+	int err, result;
+
+	err = get_string(eval, key1, &string1);
+	if (err < 0 && err != -ENOENT) {
+		snd_error(UCM, "String error (If.Condition.%s)", key1);
+		return -EINVAL;
+	}
+
+	err = get_string(eval, key2, &string2);
+	if (err < 0 && err != -ENOENT) {
+		snd_error(UCM, "String error (If.Condition.%s)", key2);
+		return -EINVAL;
+	}
+
+	if (!string1 && !string2)
+		return -ENOENT; /* not found */
+
+	if (!string1) {
+		snd_error(UCM, "If.Condition.%s not defined", key1);
+		return -EINVAL;
+	}
+	if (!string2) {
+		snd_error(UCM, "If.Condition.%s not defined", key2);
+		return -EINVAL;
+	}
+
+	err = uc_mgr_get_substituted_value(uc_mgr, &s1, string1);
+	if (err < 0)
+		return err;
+
+	err = uc_mgr_get_substituted_value(uc_mgr, &s2, string2);
+	if (err < 0) {
+		free(s1);
+		return err;
+	}
+
+	result = compare(s1, s2);
+	free(s2);
+	free(s1);
+	return result;
+}
+
+static int string_equal(const char *s1, const char *s2)
+{
+	return strcasecmp(s1, s2) == 0;
+}
+
+static int string_contains(const char *s1, const char *s2)
+{
+	return strstr(s1, s2) != NULL;
+}
+
+static int if_eval_string(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr, snd_config_t *eval)
+{
+	const char *string1 = NULL;
+	char *s1;
 	int err;
 
 	if (uc_mgr->conf_format >= 3) {
@@ -61,75 +121,13 @@ static int if_eval_string(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr, snd_config_t *eval)
 		}
 	}
 
-	err = get_string(eval, "String1", &string1);
-	if (err < 0 && err != -ENOENT) {
-		snd_error(UCM, "String error (If.Condition.String1)");
-		return -EINVAL;
-	}
-
-	err = get_string(eval, "String2", &string2);
-	if (err < 0 && err != -ENOENT) {
-		snd_error(UCM, "String error (If.Condition.String2)");
-		return -EINVAL;
-	}
-
-	if (string1 || string2) {
-		if (string1 == NULL) {
-			snd_error(UCM, "If.Condition.String1 not defined");
-			return -EINVAL;
-		}
-		if (string2 == NULL) {
-			snd_error(UCM, "If.Condition.String2 not defined");
-			return -EINVAL;
-		}
-		err = uc_mgr_get_substituted_value(uc_mgr, &s1, string1);
-		if (err < 0)
-			return err;
-		err = uc_mgr_get_substituted_value(uc_mgr, &s2, string2);
-		if (err < 0) {
-			free(s1);
-			return err;
-		}
-		err = strcasecmp(s1, s2) == 0;
-		free(s2);
-		free(s1);
+	err = compare_strings(uc_mgr, eval, "String1", "String2", string_equal);
+	if (err != -ENOENT) /* -ENOENT means not found, continue checking */
 		return err;
-	}
 
-	err = get_string(eval, "Haystack", &string1);
-	if (err < 0 && err != -ENOENT) {
-		snd_error(UCM, "String error (If.Condition.Haystack)");
-		return -EINVAL;
-	}
-
-	err = get_string(eval, "Needle", &string2);
-	if (err < 0 && err != -ENOENT) {
-		snd_error(UCM, "String error (If.Condition.Needle)");
-		return -EINVAL;
-	}
-
-	if (string1 || string2) {
-		if (string1 == NULL) {
-			snd_error(UCM, "If.Condition.Haystack not defined");
-			return -EINVAL;
-		}
-		if (string2 == NULL) {
-			snd_error(UCM, "If.Condition.Needle not defined");
-			return -EINVAL;
-		}
-		err = uc_mgr_get_substituted_value(uc_mgr, &s1, string1);
-		if (err < 0)
-			return err;
-		err = uc_mgr_get_substituted_value(uc_mgr, &s2, string2);
-		if (err < 0) {
-			free(s1);
-			return err;
-		}
-		err = strstr(s1, s2) != NULL;
-		free(s2);
-		free(s1);
+	err = compare_strings(uc_mgr, eval, "Haystack", "Needle", string_contains);
+	if (err != -ENOENT)
 		return err;
-	}
 
 	snd_error(UCM, "Unknown String condition arguments");
 	return -EINVAL;
@@ -270,6 +268,80 @@ static int if_eval_control_exists(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr, snd_config_t *eval
 	return 1;
 }
 
+static int if_eval_integer(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr, snd_config_t *eval)
+{
+	const char *value1_str = NULL, *value2_str = NULL, *operation = NULL;
+	char *s1, *s2;
+	long long val1, val2;
+	int err, err1, err2;
+
+	if (uc_mgr->conf_format < 9) {
+		snd_error(UCM, "Integer condition is supported in v9+ syntax");
+		return -EINVAL;
+	}
+
+	err = get_string(eval, "Operation", &operation);
+	if (err < 0) {
+		snd_error(UCM, "Integer error (If.Condition.Operation)");
+		return -EINVAL;
+	}
+
+	err = get_string(eval, "Value1", &value1_str);
+	if (err < 0) {
+		snd_error(UCM, "Integer error (If.Condition.Value1)");
+		return -EINVAL;
+	}
+
+	err = get_string(eval, "Value2", &value2_str);
+	if (err < 0) {
+		snd_error(UCM, "Integer error (If.Condition.Value2)");
+		return -EINVAL;
+	}
+
+	err = uc_mgr_get_substituted_value(uc_mgr, &s1, value1_str);
+	if (err < 0)
+		return err;
+
+	err = uc_mgr_get_substituted_value(uc_mgr, &s2, value2_str);
+	if (err < 0) {
+		free(s1);
+		return err;
+	}
+
+	err1 = safe_strtoll(s1, &val1);
+	err2 = safe_strtoll(s2, &val2);
+
+	if (err1 < 0 || err2 < 0) {
+		if (err1 < 0)
+			snd_error(UCM, "Integer conversion error for Value1 '%s'", s1);
+		if (err2 < 0)
+			snd_error(UCM, "Integer conversion error for Value2 '%s'", s2);
+		free(s2);
+		free(s1);
+		return -EINVAL;
+	}
+
+	free(s2);
+	free(s1);
+
+	if (strcmp(operation, "==") == 0) {
+		return val1 == val2;
+	} else if (strcmp(operation, "!=") == 0) {
+		return val1 != val2;
+	} else if (strcmp(operation, "<") == 0) {
+		return val1 < val2;
+	} else if (strcmp(operation, ">") == 0) {
+		return val1 > val2;
+	} else if (strcmp(operation, "<=") == 0) {
+		return val1 <= val2;
+	} else if (strcmp(operation, ">=") == 0) {
+		return val1 >= val2;
+	} else {
+		snd_error(UCM, "Integer unknown operation '%s'", operation);
+		return -EINVAL;
+	}
+}
+
 static int if_eval_path(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr, snd_config_t *eval)
 {
 	const char *path, *mode = "";
@@ -365,6 +437,9 @@ static int if_eval(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr, snd_config_t *eval)
 	if (strcmp(type, "Path") == 0)
 		return if_eval_path(uc_mgr, eval);
 
+	if (strcmp(type, "Integer") == 0)
+		return if_eval_integer(uc_mgr, eval);
+
 	snd_error(UCM, "unknown If.Condition.Type");
 	return -EINVAL;
 }
@@ -377,7 +452,9 @@ static int if_eval_one(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr,
 		       snd_config_t **prepend,
 		       snd_config_t **append)
 {
-	snd_config_t *expr, *_true = NULL, *_false = NULL;
+	snd_config_t *expr, *expr_eval = NULL, *_true = NULL, *_false = NULL;
+	const char *s;
+	char *s1;
 	int err, has_condition;
 
 	*result = NULL;
@@ -392,73 +469,99 @@ static int if_eval_one(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr,
 	/* For syntax v8+, Condition is optional if Prepend or Append is present */
 	has_condition = snd_config_search(cond, "Condition", &expr) >= 0;
 
+	if (has_condition && uc_mgr->conf_format >= 9 &&
+	    snd_config_get_type(expr) == SND_CONFIG_TYPE_STRING) {
+		err = snd_config_get_string(expr, &s);
+		if (err < 0) {
+			snd_error(UCM, "Condition string error (If)");
+			return -EINVAL;
+		}
+		err = uc_mgr_get_substituted_value(uc_mgr, &s1, s);
+		if (err >= 0) {
+			err = snd_config_load_string(&expr_eval, s1, 0);
+			free(s1);
+		}
+		if (err < 0) {
+			snd_error(UCM, "Condition string parse error (If)");
+			return err;
+		}
+		expr = expr_eval;
+	}
+
 	if (uc_mgr->conf_format >= 8) {
 		/* Check for Prepend block */
 		err = snd_config_search(cond, "Prepend", prepend);
 		if (err < 0 && err != -ENOENT) {
 			snd_error(UCM, "prepend block error (If)");
-			return -EINVAL;
+			goto __error;
 		}
 
 		/* Check for Append block */
 		err = snd_config_search(cond, "Append", append);
 		if (err < 0 && err != -ENOENT) {
 			snd_error(UCM, "append block error (If)");
-			return -EINVAL;
+			goto __error;
 		}
 
 		/* If Prepend or Append is present, Condition can be omitted */
 		if (!has_condition && (*prepend == NULL && *append == NULL)) {
 			snd_error(UCM, "condition block expected (If)");
-			return -EINVAL;
+			goto __error;
 		}
 	} else {
 		if (!has_condition) {
 			snd_error(UCM, "condition block expected (If)");
-			return -EINVAL;
+			goto __error;
 		}
 	}
 
 	err = snd_config_search(cond, "True", &_true);
 	if (err < 0 && err != -ENOENT) {
 		snd_error(UCM, "true block error (If)");
-		return -EINVAL;
+		goto __error;
 	}
 
 	err = snd_config_search(cond, "False", &_false);
 	if (err < 0 && err != -ENOENT) {
 		snd_error(UCM, "false block error (If)");
-		return -EINVAL;
+		goto __error;
 	}
 
 	err = snd_config_search(cond, "Before", before);
 	if (err < 0 && err != -ENOENT) {
 		snd_error(UCM, "before block identifier error");
-		return -EINVAL;
+		goto __error;
 	}
 
 	err = snd_config_search(cond, "After", after);
 	if (err < 0 && err != -ENOENT) {
 		snd_error(UCM, "before block identifier error");
-		return -EINVAL;
+		goto __error;
 	}
 
 	/* Evaluate condition if present */
 	if (has_condition) {
 		err = if_eval(uc_mgr, expr);
+		if (err < 0)
+			goto __error;
 		if (err > 0) {
 			*result = _true;
-			return 0;
+			goto __return;
 		} else if (err == 0) {
 			*result = _false;
-			return 0;
-		} else {
-			return err;
+			goto __return;
 		}
 	}
 
 	/* If no condition (v8+ with Prepend/Append only), no result block */
 	return 0;
+
+__error:
+	err = -EINVAL;
+__return:
+	if (expr_eval)
+		snd_config_delete(expr_eval);
+	return err;
 }
 
 #if 0
diff --git a/src/ucm/ucm_confdoc.h b/src/ucm/ucm_confdoc.h
index 5fac99e4..e5d8b82d 100644
--- a/src/ucm/ucm_confdoc.h
+++ b/src/ucm/ucm_confdoc.h
@@ -587,8 +587,8 @@ Evaluation order   | Configuration block | Evaluation restart
 2                  | Include             | Yes
 3                  | Variant             | Yes
 4                  | Macro               | Yes
-5                  | If                  | Yes
-
+5                  | Repeat              | Yes
+6                  | If                  | Yes
 
 ### Substitutions
 
@@ -616,6 +616,7 @@ ${var:\<str\>}         | UCM parser variable (set using a _Define_ block)
 ${eval:\<str\>}        | Evaluate expression like *($var+2)/3* [**Syntax 5**]
 ${find-card:\<str\>}   | Find a card - see _Find card substitution_ section
 ${find-device:\<str\>} | Find a device - see _Find device substitution_ section
+${info-card:\<str\>}   | Get card information - see _Card info substitution_ section [**Syntax 9**]
 
 General note: If two dollars '$$' instead one dolar '$' are used for the
 substitution identification, the error is ignored (e.g. file does not
@@ -662,6 +663,7 @@ Usage example:
 
 ~~~{.html}
 ${find-card:field=name,regex='^acp$',return=number}
+${find-card:field=$FieldName,regex=$Pattern,return=number}
 ~~~
 
 Arguments:
@@ -669,8 +671,8 @@ Arguments:
 Argument             | Description
 ---------------------|-----------------------
 return               | return value type (id, number), id is the default
-field                | field for the lookup (id, driver, name, longname, mixername, components)
-regex                | regex string for the field match
+field                | field for the lookup (id, driver, name, longname, mixername, components) or variable name ($var) [**Syntax 9**]
+regex                | regex string for the field match or variable name ($var) [**Syntax 9**]
 
 #### Find device substitution
 
@@ -678,16 +680,50 @@ Usage example:
 
 ~~~{.html}
 ${find-device:type=pcm,field=name,regex='DMIC'}
+${find-device:type=$DevType,stream=$StreamType,field=$FieldName,regex=$Pattern}
 ~~~
 
 Arguments:
 
 Argument             | Description
 ---------------------|-----------------------
-type                 | device type (pcm)
-stream               | stream type (playback, capture), playback is default
-field                | field for the lookup (id, name, subname)
-regex                | regex string for the field match
+type                 | device type (pcm) or variable name ($var) [**Syntax 9**]
+stream               | stream type (playback, capture), playback is default; variable name ($var) supported in **Syntax 9**
+field                | field for the lookup (id, name, subname) or variable name ($var) [**Syntax 9**]
+regex                | regex string for the field match or variable name ($var) [**Syntax 9**]
+
+#### Card info substitution
+
+This substitution retrieves information about a specific ALSA card by card number
+or card ID and returns the requested field value.
+
+Usage examples:
+
+~~~{.html}
+${info-card:card=0,field=name}
+${info-card:card=acp,field=driver}
+${info-card:card=PCH,field=longname}
+${info-card:card=$MyCard,field=$MyField}
+~~~
+
+Arguments:
+
+Argument             | Description
+---------------------|--------------------------------------------------
+card                 | card number (integer), card ID (string), or variable name ($var)
+field                | field to retrieve (number, id, driver, name, longname, mixername, components) or variable name ($var)
+
+The **card** parameter can be either a card number (e.g., 0, 1, 2), a card ID string (e.g., "PCH", "acp", "Intel"),
+or a variable name prefixed with $ (e.g., $CardId).
+
+The **field** parameter specifies which card information to return or can be a variable name prefixed with $ (e.g., $FieldName):
+- **number**: Card number (integer as string)
+- **id**: Card identifier
+- **driver**: Card driver name
+- **name**: Card short name
+- **longname**: Card long name
+- **mixername**: Mixer name
+- **components**: Card components
 
 
 ### Variable defines
@@ -878,6 +914,32 @@ If.fmic {
 }
 ~~~
 
+#### Integer comparison (Type Integer)
+
+Field                | Description
+---------------------|-----------------------
+Operation            | comparison operator (==, !=, <, >, <=, >=)
+Value1               | first integer value (string converted to long long)
+Value2               | second integer value (string converted to long long)
+
+Note: Integer condition is supported in *Syntax* version *9*+.
+
+Example:
+
+~~~{.html}
+If.check_channels {
+  Condition {
+    Type Integer
+    Operation ">"
+    Value1 "${var:channels}"
+    Value2 "2"
+  }
+  True {
+    ...
+  }
+}
+~~~
+
 ### Variants
 
 To avoid duplication of the many configuration files for the cases with
@@ -986,6 +1048,136 @@ SectionDevice."HDMI:LowRate" {
 
 This creates two devices: **HDMI:LowRate** (48kHz) and **HDMI:HighRate** (192kHz).
 
+### Repetitive Pattern Substitution
+
+Starting with **Syntax 9**, the UCM configuration supports the **Repeat** block for generating
+repetitive configuration patterns. This feature allows you to apply a configuration block multiple
+times with different variable values, reducing duplication in configuration files.
+
+The **Repeat** block contains two main components:
+
+1. **Pattern**: Defines the iteration pattern (how many times to repeat and what values to use)
+2. **Apply**: The configuration block to be applied on each iteration
+
+#### Pattern Types
+
+The **Pattern** block supports two types: **Integer** and **Array**.
+
+**Integer Pattern**: Iterates over a range of integer values
+
+~~~{.html}
+Repeat.MyRepeat {
+  Pattern {
+    Variable 'ChannelNum'
+    Type Integer
+    First 0
+    Last 15
+    Step 2
+  }
+  Apply {
+    ... configuration using ${var:ChannelNum} ...
+  }
+}
+~~~
+
+Fields for Integer pattern:
+- **Variable**: Name of the variable to substitute (without ${var:} prefix)
+- **Type**: Must be "Integer"
+- **First**: Starting value (integer)
+- **Last**: Ending value (integer)
+- **Step**: Increment value (integer, default 1)
+
+The iteration supports reverse order automatically when First is greater than Last.
+
+**Array Pattern**: Iterates over a list of string values
+
+~~~{.html}
+Repeat.DeviceList {
+  Pattern {
+    Variable 'DevName'
+    Type Array
+    Array [
+      "Speaker"
+      "Headphones"
+      "HDMI"
+    ]
+  }
+  Apply {
+    ... configuration using ${var:DevName} ...
+  }
+}
+~~~
+
+Fields for Array pattern:
+- **Variable**: Name of the variable to substitute (without ${var:} prefix)
+- **Type**: Must be "Array"
+- **Array**: A compound node containing string values to iterate over
+
+**String Pattern**: Pattern can also be specified as a string that will be parsed as a
+configuration block. This allows for dynamic pattern generation.
+
+~~~{.html}
+Repeat.Dynamic {
+  Pattern "
+    Variable 'Index'
+    Type Integer
+    First 1
+    Last 4
+  "
+  Apply {
+    ... configuration using ${var:Index} ...
+  }
+}
+~~~
+
+#### Complete Example
+
+Example using Integer pattern to create multiple similar control settings:
+
+~~~{.html}
+EnableSequence [
+  Repeat.VolumeInit {
+    Pattern {
+      Variable 'ch'
+      Type Integer
+      First 0
+      Last 7
+    }
+    Apply {
+      cset "name='PCM Channel ${var:ch} Volume' 100%"
+    }
+  }
+]
+~~~
+
+This generates 8 cset commands for channels 0 through 7.
+
+Example using Array pattern for different device configurations:
+
+~~~{.html}
+Repeat.Devices {
+  Pattern {
+    Variable 'output'
+    Type Array
+    Array [
+      "Speaker"
+      "Headphones"
+      "LineOut"
+    ]
+  }
+  Apply {
+    SectionDevice."${var:output}" {
+      Comment "${var:output} Output"
+      EnableSequence [
+        cset "name='${var:output} Switch' on"
+      ]
+    }
+  }
+}
+~~~
+
+This creates three SectionDevice blocks for Speaker, Headphones, and LineOut.
+
 */
 
 /**
diff --git a/src/ucm/ucm_include.c b/src/ucm/ucm_include.c
index b155a086..8a47e748 100644
--- a/src/ucm/ucm_include.c
+++ b/src/ucm/ucm_include.c
@@ -90,11 +90,10 @@ static int include_eval_one(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr,
 	err = uc_mgr_get_substituted_value(uc_mgr, &s, file);
 	if (err < 0)
 		return err;
-	if (opt_bool && access(s, R_OK) != 0) {
-		snd_trace(UCM, "optional file '%s' not found", s);
+	err = uc_mgr_config_load_file(uc_mgr, s, result);
+	if (opt_bool && (err == -ENOENT || err == -EACCES)) {
+		snd_trace(UCM, "optional file '%s' not found or readable", s);
 		err = 0;
-	} else {
-		err = uc_mgr_config_load_file(uc_mgr, s, result);
 	}
 	free(s);
 	return err;
diff --git a/src/ucm/ucm_local.h b/src/ucm/ucm_local.h
index 8b3da74f..3015cca5 100644
--- a/src/ucm/ucm_local.h
+++ b/src/ucm/ucm_local.h
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 #include <stdbool.h>
 #include "use-case.h"
 
-#define SYNTAX_VERSION_MAX	8
+#define SYNTAX_VERSION_MAX	9
 
 #define MAX_CARD_SHORT_NAME	32
 #define MAX_CARD_LONG_NAME	80
@@ -352,7 +352,8 @@ int uc_mgr_add_value(struct list_head *base, const char *key, char *val);
 int uc_mgr_check_value(struct list_head *value_list, const char *identifier);
 
 const char *uc_mgr_get_variable(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr,
-				const char *name);
+				const char *name,
+				bool show_err);
 
 int uc_mgr_set_variable(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr,
 			const char *name,
@@ -384,6 +385,9 @@ int uc_mgr_evaluate_condition(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr,
 			      snd_config_t *parent,
 			      snd_config_t *cond);
 
+int uc_mgr_evaluate_repeat(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr,
+			    snd_config_t *cfg);
+
 int uc_mgr_define_regex(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr,
 			const char *name,
 			snd_config_t *eval);
diff --git a/src/ucm/ucm_repeat.c b/src/ucm/ucm_repeat.c
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..e3e08e0c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/ucm/ucm_repeat.c
@@ -0,0 +1,401 @@
+/*
+ *  This library is free software; you can redistribute it and/or
+ *  modify it under the terms of the GNU Lesser General Public
+ *  License as published by the Free Software Foundation; either
+ *  version 2 of the License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ *  This library is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ *  but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ *  MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the GNU
+ *  Lesser General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ *  You should have received a copy of the GNU Lesser General Public
+ *  License along with this library; if not, write to the Free Software
+ *  Foundation, Inc., 51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor, Boston, MA  02110-1301  USA
+ *
+ *  Copyright (C) 2026 Red Hat Inc.
+ *  Authors: Jaroslav Kysela <perex@perex.cz>
+ */
+
+#include "ucm_local.h"
+
+/*
+ * get_string helper
+ */
+static int get_string(snd_config_t *compound, const char *key, const char **str)
+{
+	snd_config_t *node;
+	int err;
+
+	err = snd_config_search(compound, key, &node);
+	if (err < 0)
+		return err;
+	return snd_config_get_string(node, str);
+}
+
+/*
+ * get_integer helper
+ */
+static int get_integer(snd_config_t *compound, const char *key, long long *val)
+{
+	snd_config_type_t t;
+	snd_config_t *node;
+	const char *str;
+	int err;
+
+	err = snd_config_search(compound, key, &node);
+	if (err < 0)
+		return err;
+	t = snd_config_get_type(node);
+	if (t == SND_CONFIG_TYPE_INTEGER) {
+		long i;
+		err = snd_config_get_integer(node, &i);
+		if (err >= 0)
+			*val = i;
+	} else if (t == SND_CONFIG_TYPE_INTEGER64) {
+		err = snd_config_get_integer64(node, val);
+	} else {
+		err = snd_config_get_string(node, &str);
+		if (err < 0)
+			return err;
+		err = safe_strtoll(str, val);
+	}
+	if (err < 0)
+		return -EINVAL;
+
+	return 0;
+}
+
+/*
+ * Repeat pattern iterator
+ */
+struct repeat_iterator {
+	const char *var_name;
+
+	union {
+		struct {
+			long long current;
+			long long last;
+			long long step;
+			int iteration;
+			char value_buf[32];
+		} integer;
+
+		struct {
+			snd_config_iterator_t pos;
+			snd_config_iterator_t end;
+			snd_config_t *array;
+			char *value_str;
+		} array;
+	} u;
+
+	int (*init)(struct repeat_iterator *it, snd_config_t *pattern);
+	int (*next)(struct repeat_iterator *it, const char **value);
+	void (*done)(struct repeat_iterator *it);
+};
+
+/*
+ * Integer pattern iterator - initialization
+ */
+static int repeat_integer_init(struct repeat_iterator *it, snd_config_t *pattern)
+{
+	long long first;
+	int err;
+
+	err = get_integer(pattern, "First", &first);
+	if (err < 0) {
+		snd_error(UCM, "Repeat.Pattern.First is required for Integer type");
+		return -EINVAL;
+	}
+
+	err = get_integer(pattern, "Last", &it->u.integer.last);
+	if (err < 0) {
+		snd_error(UCM, "Repeat.Pattern.Last is required for Integer type");
+		return -EINVAL;
+	}
+
+	err = get_integer(pattern, "Step", &it->u.integer.step);
+	if (err == -ENOENT) {
+		it->u.integer.step = 1;
+	} else if (err < 0) {
+		snd_error(UCM, "Repeat.Pattern.Step parse error");
+		return -EINVAL;
+	}
+
+	if (it->u.integer.step == 0) {
+		snd_error(UCM, "Repeat.Pattern.Step cannot be zero");
+		return -EINVAL;
+	}
+
+	it->u.integer.current = first;
+	it->u.integer.iteration = 0;
+	return 0;
+}
+
+/*
+ * Integer pattern iterator - get next value
+ * Returns: 1 if value available, 0 if end of iteration, negative on error
+ */
+static int repeat_integer_next(struct repeat_iterator *it, const char **value)
+{
+	const int max_iterations = 10000;
+	int has_value;
+
+	if (it->u.integer.iteration++ > max_iterations) {
+		snd_error(UCM, "Repeat iteration limit exceeded");
+		return -EINVAL;
+	}
+
+	if (it->u.integer.step > 0)
+		has_value = (it->u.integer.current <= it->u.integer.last);
+	else
+		has_value = (it->u.integer.current >= it->u.integer.last);
+
+	if (!has_value)
+		return 0;
+
+	snprintf(it->u.integer.value_buf, sizeof(it->u.integer.value_buf), "%lld", it->u.integer.current);
+	*value = it->u.integer.value_buf;
+
+	it->u.integer.current += it->u.integer.step;
+	return 1;
+}
+
+/*
+ * Array pattern iterator - initialization
+ */
+static int repeat_array_init(struct repeat_iterator *it, snd_config_t *pattern)
+{
+	int err;
+
+	err = snd_config_search(pattern, "Array", &it->u.array.array);
+	if (err < 0) {
+		snd_error(UCM, "Repeat.Pattern.Array is required for Array type");
+		return -EINVAL;
+	}
+
+	if (snd_config_get_type(it->u.array.array) != SND_CONFIG_TYPE_COMPOUND) {
+		snd_error(UCM, "Repeat.Pattern.Array must be a compound");
+		return -EINVAL;
+	}
+
+	it->u.array.pos = snd_config_iterator_first(it->u.array.array);
+	it->u.array.end = snd_config_iterator_end(it->u.array.array);
+	it->u.array.value_str = NULL;
+	return 0;
+}
+
+/*
+ * Array pattern iterator - get next value
+ * Returns: 1 if value available, 0 if end of iteration, negative on error
+ */
+static int repeat_array_next(struct repeat_iterator *it, const char **value)
+{
+	snd_config_t *n;
+	int err;
+
+	/* Free previous value string */
+	free(it->u.array.value_str);
+	it->u.array.value_str = NULL;
+
+	if (it->u.array.pos == it->u.array.end)
+		return 0;
+
+	n = snd_config_iterator_entry(it->u.array.pos);
+	it->u.array.pos = snd_config_iterator_next(it->u.array.pos);
+
+	err = snd_config_get_ascii(n, &it->u.array.value_str);
+	if (err < 0) {
+		snd_error(UCM, "Repeat.Pattern.Array element conversion error");
+		return -EINVAL;
+	}
+
+	*value = it->u.array.value_str;
+	return 1;
+}
+
+/*
+ * Array pattern iterator - cleanup
+ */
+static void repeat_array_done(struct repeat_iterator *it)
+{
+	free(it->u.array.value_str);
+	it->u.array.value_str = NULL;
+}
+
+/*
+ * Evaluate repeat pattern using iterator
+ */
+static int evaluate_repeat_pattern(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr,
+				    snd_config_t *cfg,
+				    snd_config_t *pattern,
+				    snd_config_t *apply,
+				    struct repeat_iterator *it)
+{
+	snd_config_t *apply_copy;
+	const char *value;
+	int err, ret;
+
+	err = it->init(it, pattern);
+	if (err < 0)
+		return err;
+
+	while ((ret = it->next(it, &value)) > 0) {
+		err = uc_mgr_set_variable(uc_mgr, it->var_name, value);
+		if (err < 0)
+			goto __error;
+
+		err = snd_config_copy(&apply_copy, apply);
+		if (err < 0)
+			goto __var_error;
+
+		err = uc_mgr_evaluate_inplace(uc_mgr, apply_copy);
+		if (err < 0)
+			goto __copy_error;
+
+		err = uc_mgr_config_tree_merge(uc_mgr, cfg, apply_copy, NULL, NULL);
+		snd_config_delete(apply_copy);
+		if (err < 0)
+			goto __var_error;
+	}
+
+	if (ret < 0) {
+		err = ret;
+		goto __var_error;
+	}
+
+	uc_mgr_delete_variable(uc_mgr, it->var_name);
+
+	if (it->done)
+		it->done(it);
+
+	return 0;
+
+__copy_error:
+	snd_config_delete(apply_copy);
+__var_error:
+	uc_mgr_delete_variable(uc_mgr, it->var_name);
+__error:
+	if (it->done)
+		it->done(it);
+	return err;
+}
+
+/*
+ * Evaluate repeat (in-place)
+ */
+int uc_mgr_evaluate_repeat(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr, snd_config_t *cfg)
+{
+	snd_config_iterator_t i, next;
+	snd_config_t *repeat_blocks, *n, *pattern = NULL, *pattern_cfg = NULL;
+	const char *id;
+	int err;
+
+	err = snd_config_search(cfg, "Repeat", &repeat_blocks);
+	if (err == -ENOENT)
+		return 1;
+	if (err < 0)
+		return err;
+
+	if (uc_mgr->conf_format < 9) {
+		snd_error(UCM, "Repeat is supported in v9+ syntax");
+		err = -EINVAL;
+		goto __error;
+	}
+
+	if (snd_config_get_type(repeat_blocks) != SND_CONFIG_TYPE_COMPOUND) {
+		snd_error(UCM, "Repeat must be a compound");
+		err = -EINVAL;
+		goto __error;
+	}
+
+	snd_config_for_each(i, next, repeat_blocks) {
+		snd_config_t *apply;
+		struct repeat_iterator it;
+		const char *var_name, *type_str;
+
+		n = snd_config_iterator_entry(i);
+
+		if (snd_config_get_id(n, &id) < 0)
+			continue;
+
+		err = snd_config_search(n, "Pattern", &pattern);
+		if (err < 0) {
+			snd_error(UCM, "Repeat.%s.Pattern is required", id);
+			goto __error;
+		}
+
+		if (snd_config_get_type(pattern) == SND_CONFIG_TYPE_STRING) {
+			const char *pattern_str;
+			char *pattern_subst = NULL;
+
+			err = snd_config_get_string(pattern, &pattern_str);
+			if (err < 0)
+				goto __error;
+
+			err = uc_mgr_get_substituted_value(uc_mgr, &pattern_subst, pattern_str);
+			if (err < 0)
+				goto __error;
+
+			err = snd_config_load_string(&pattern_cfg, pattern_subst, 0);
+			free(pattern_subst);
+			if (err < 0) {
+				snd_error(UCM, "Repeat.%s.Pattern string parse error", id);
+				goto __error;
+			}
+		} else {
+			pattern_cfg = pattern;
+		}
+
+		err = get_string(pattern_cfg, "Variable", &var_name);
+		if (err < 0) {
+			snd_error(UCM, "Repeat.%s.Pattern.Variable is required", id);
+			goto __pattern_error;
+		}
+
+		err = get_string(pattern_cfg, "Type", &type_str);
+		if (err < 0) {
+			snd_error(UCM, "Repeat.%s.Pattern.Type is required", id);
+			goto __pattern_error;
+		}
+
+		err = snd_config_search(n, "Apply", &apply);
+		if (err < 0) {
+			snd_error(UCM, "Repeat.%s.Apply is required", id);
+			goto __pattern_error;
+		}
+
+		memset(&it, 0, sizeof(it));
+		it.var_name = var_name;
+
+		if (strcmp(type_str, "Integer") == 0) {
+			it.init = repeat_integer_init;
+			it.next = repeat_integer_next;
+			it.done = NULL;
+		} else if (strcmp(type_str, "Array") == 0) {
+			it.init = repeat_array_init;
+			it.next = repeat_array_next;
+			it.done = repeat_array_done;
+		} else {
+			snd_error(UCM, "Repeat.%s.Pattern.Type must be 'Integer' or 'Array'", id);
+			err = -EINVAL;
+			goto __pattern_error;
+		}
+
+		err = evaluate_repeat_pattern(uc_mgr, cfg, pattern_cfg, apply, &it);
+		if (err < 0)
+			goto __pattern_error;
+		if (pattern_cfg != pattern) {
+			snd_config_delete(pattern_cfg);
+			pattern_cfg = NULL;
+		}
+	}
+
+	err = 0;
+__pattern_error:
+	if (pattern_cfg && pattern_cfg != pattern)
+		snd_config_delete(pattern_cfg);
+__error:
+	snd_config_delete(repeat_blocks);
+	return err;
+}
diff --git a/src/ucm/ucm_subs.c b/src/ucm/ucm_subs.c
index 73230a2a..eb46ffcf 100644
--- a/src/ucm/ucm_subs.c
+++ b/src/ucm/ucm_subs.c
@@ -204,6 +204,92 @@ static char *rval_card_id_by_name(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr, const char *id)
 	return strdup(snd_ctl_card_info_get_id(ctl_list->ctl_info));
 }
 
+static char *rval_card_info(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr, const char *query)
+{
+	snd_config_t *config, *d;
+	const char *card_str, *field_str, *tmp;
+	struct ctl_list *ctl_list = NULL;
+	snd_ctl_card_info_t *info;
+	char *result = NULL;
+	long card_num;
+	int err;
+
+	if (uc_mgr->conf_format < 9) {
+		snd_error(UCM, "info-card substitution is supported in v9+ syntax");
+		return NULL;
+	}
+
+	err = snd_config_load_string(&config, query, 0);
+	if (err < 0) {
+		snd_error(UCM, "info-card: invalid arguments '%s'", query);
+		return NULL;
+	}
+
+	if (snd_config_search(config, "card", &d)) {
+		snd_error(UCM, "info-card: 'card' parameter is required");
+		goto __error;
+	}
+	if (snd_config_get_string(d, &card_str))
+		goto __error;
+
+	if (card_str[0] == '$') {
+		tmp = card_str + 1;
+		card_str = uc_mgr_get_variable(uc_mgr, tmp, true);
+		if (card_str == NULL)
+			goto __error;
+	}
+
+	if (snd_config_search(config, "field", &d)) {
+		snd_error(UCM, "info-card: 'field' parameter is required");
+		goto __error;
+	}
+	if (snd_config_get_string(d, &field_str))
+		goto __error;
+
+	if (field_str[0] == '$') {
+		tmp = field_str + 1;
+		field_str = uc_mgr_get_variable(uc_mgr, tmp, true);
+		if (field_str == NULL)
+			goto __error;
+	}
+
+	if (safe_strtol(card_str, &card_num) == 0)
+		ctl_list = uc_mgr_get_ctl_by_card(uc_mgr, (int)card_num);
+	if (ctl_list == NULL)
+		ctl_list = get_ctl_list_by_name(uc_mgr, card_str);
+	if (ctl_list == NULL) {
+		snd_error(UCM, "info-card: card '%s' not found", card_str);
+		goto __error;
+	}
+
+	info = ctl_list->ctl_info;
+
+	if (strcasecmp(field_str, "number") == 0) {
+		char num[16];
+		snprintf(num, sizeof(num), "%d", snd_ctl_card_info_get_card(info));
+		result = strdup(num);
+	} else if (strcasecmp(field_str, "id") == 0) {
+		result = strdup(snd_ctl_card_info_get_id(info));
+	} else if (strcasecmp(field_str, "driver") == 0) {
+		result = strdup(snd_ctl_card_info_get_driver(info));
+	} else if (strcasecmp(field_str, "name") == 0) {
+		result = strdup(snd_ctl_card_info_get_name(info));
+	} else if (strcasecmp(field_str, "longname") == 0) {
+		result = strdup(snd_ctl_card_info_get_longname(info));
+	} else if (strcasecmp(field_str, "mixername") == 0) {
+		result = strdup(snd_ctl_card_info_get_mixername(info));
+	} else if (strcasecmp(field_str, "components") == 0) {
+		result = strdup(snd_ctl_card_info_get_components(info));
+	} else {
+		snd_error(UCM, "info-card: unknown field '%s'", field_str);
+		result = NULL;
+	}
+
+__error:
+	snd_config_delete(config);
+	return result;
+}
+
 #ifndef DOC_HIDDEN
 typedef struct lookup_iterate *(*lookup_iter_fcn_t)
 			(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr, struct lookup_iterate *iter);
@@ -235,7 +321,7 @@ static char *rval_lookup_main(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr,
 	snd_config_t *config, *d;
 	struct lookup_fcn *fcn;
 	struct lookup_iterate *curr;
-	const char *s;
+	const char *s, *tmp;
 	char *result;
 	regmatch_t match[1];
 	regex_t re;
@@ -259,6 +345,12 @@ static char *rval_lookup_main(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr,
 	}
 	if (snd_config_get_string(d, &s))
 		goto null;
+	if (s[0] == '$' && uc_mgr->conf_format >= 9) {
+		tmp = s + 1;
+		s = uc_mgr_get_variable(uc_mgr, tmp, true);
+		if (s == NULL)
+			goto null;
+	}
 	for (fcn = iter->fcns ; fcn; fcn++) {
 		if (strcasecmp(fcn->name, s) == 0) {
 			iter->fcn = fcn->fcn;
@@ -275,6 +367,12 @@ static char *rval_lookup_main(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr,
 	}
 	if (snd_config_get_string(d, &s))
 		goto null;
+	if (s[0] == '$' && uc_mgr->conf_format >= 9) {
+		tmp = s + 1;
+		s = uc_mgr_get_variable(uc_mgr, tmp, true);
+		if (s == NULL)
+			goto null;
+	}
 	err = regcomp(&re, s, REG_EXTENDED | REG_ICASE);
 	if (err) {
 		snd_error(UCM, "Regex '%s' compilation failed (code %d)", s, err);
@@ -410,7 +508,8 @@ static char *rval_pcm_lookup_return(struct lookup_iterate *iter,
 	return strdup(num);
 }
 
-static int rval_pcm_lookup_init(struct lookup_iterate *iter,
+static int rval_pcm_lookup_init(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr,
+				struct lookup_iterate *iter,
 				snd_config_t *config)
 {
 	static struct lookup_fcn pcm_fcns[] = {
@@ -420,12 +519,18 @@ static int rval_pcm_lookup_init(struct lookup_iterate *iter,
 		{ 0 },
 	};
 	snd_config_t *d;
-	const char *s;
+	const char *s, *tmp;
 	snd_pcm_info_t *pcminfo;
 	snd_pcm_stream_t stream = SND_PCM_STREAM_PLAYBACK;
 
 	if (snd_config_search(config, "stream", &d) == 0 &&
 	    snd_config_get_string(d, &s) == 0) {
+		if (s[0] == '$' && uc_mgr->conf_format >= 9) {
+			tmp = s + 1;
+			s = uc_mgr_get_variable(uc_mgr, tmp, true);
+			if (s == NULL)
+				return -EINVAL;
+		}
 		if (strcasecmp(s, "playback") == 0)
 			stream = SND_PCM_STREAM_PLAYBACK;
 		else if (strcasecmp(s, "capture") == 0)
@@ -454,13 +559,14 @@ static int rval_device_lookup_init(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr,
 {
 	static struct {
 		const char *name;
-		int (*init)(struct lookup_iterate *iter, snd_config_t *config);
+		int (*init)(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr, struct lookup_iterate *iter,
+			    snd_config_t *config);
 	} *t, types[] = {
 		{ .name = "pcm", .init = rval_pcm_lookup_init },
 		{ 0 }
 	};
 	snd_config_t *d;
-	const char *s;
+	const char *s, *tmp;
 	int err;
 
 	if (snd_config_search(config, "ctl", &d) || snd_config_get_string(d, &s)) {
@@ -480,9 +586,15 @@ static int rval_device_lookup_init(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr,
 		snd_error(UCM, "Missing device type!");
 		return -EINVAL;
 	}
+	if (s[0] == '$' && uc_mgr->conf_format >= 9) {
+		tmp = s + 1;
+		s = uc_mgr_get_variable(uc_mgr, tmp, true);
+		if (s == NULL)
+			return -EINVAL;
+	}
 	for (t = types; t->name; t++)
 		if (strcasecmp(t->name, s) == 0)
-			return t->init(iter, config);
+			return t->init(uc_mgr, iter, config);
 	snd_error(UCM, "Device type '%s' is invalid", s);
 	return -EINVAL;
 }
@@ -726,7 +838,7 @@ static char *rval_var(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr, const char *id)
 	} else if (id[0] == '@') {
 		ignore_not_found = true;
 	}
-	v = uc_mgr_get_variable(uc_mgr, id);
+	v = uc_mgr_get_variable(uc_mgr, id, false);
 	if (v == NULL && ignore_not_found)
 		v = "";
 	if (v)
@@ -742,7 +854,7 @@ static int rval_eval_var_cb(snd_config_t **dst, const char *s, void *private_dat
 	snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr = private_data;
 	const char *v;
 
-	v = uc_mgr_get_variable(uc_mgr, s);
+	v = uc_mgr_get_variable(uc_mgr, s, false);
 	if (v == NULL)
 		return -ENOENT;
 	return snd_config_imake_string(dst, NULL, v);
@@ -913,6 +1025,7 @@ __std:
 		MATCH_VARIABLE2(value, "${eval:", rval_eval, false);
 		MATCH_VARIABLE2(value, "${find-card:", rval_card_lookup, false);
 		MATCH_VARIABLE2(value, "${find-device:", rval_device_lookup, false);
+		MATCH_VARIABLE2(value, "${info-card:", rval_card_info, false);
 		MATCH_VARIABLE2(value, "${CardNumberByName:", rval_card_number_by_name, false);
 		MATCH_VARIABLE2(value, "${CardIdByName:", rval_card_id_by_name, false);
 __merr:
@@ -939,7 +1052,7 @@ __match2:
 			if (*v2 == '$' && uc_mgr->conf_format >= 3) {
 				if (strncmp(value, "${eval:", 7) == 0)
 					goto __direct_fcn2;
-				tmp = uc_mgr_get_variable(uc_mgr, v2 + 1);
+				tmp = uc_mgr_get_variable(uc_mgr, v2 + 1, false);
 				if (tmp == NULL) {
 					snd_error(UCM, "define '%s' is not reachable in this context!", v2 + 1);
 					rval = NULL;
diff --git a/src/ucm/utils.c b/src/ucm/utils.c
index 68a7521e..eb6bb4ab 100644
--- a/src/ucm/utils.c
+++ b/src/ucm/utils.c
@@ -364,6 +364,7 @@ int uc_mgr_config_load_into(int format, const char *file, snd_config_t *top)
 	const char *default_paths[2];
 	int err;
 
+	snd_trace(UCM, "loading config '%s'", file);
 	fp = fopen(file, "r");
 	if (!fp) {
 		err = -errno;
@@ -671,7 +672,7 @@ int uc_mgr_remove_device(struct use_case_verb *verb, const char *name)
 	return found == 0 ? -ENODEV : 0;
 }
 
-const char *uc_mgr_get_variable(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr, const char *name)
+const char *uc_mgr_get_variable(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr, const char *name, bool show_err)
 {
 	struct list_head *pos;
 	struct ucm_value *value;
@@ -681,6 +682,8 @@ const char *uc_mgr_get_variable(snd_use_case_mgr_t *uc_mgr, const char *name)
 		if (strcmp(value->name, name) == 0)
 			return value->data;
 	}
+	if (show_err)
+		snd_error(UCM, "variable '%s' is not defined", name);
 	return NULL;
 }