Any of you guys got one of these interfaces? I have a couple more questions b4 purchase...

I currently use my PV6 to run the instruments through, output to the SB live and monitor everything back from the soundcard output to the PV6 input. I then use either h/phones or listen through the monitors using the main outs from the desk. I don't use midi per se so I have no latency issues (VST etc) with this setup. However everything I've read over the past few weeks seems driven by driver/latency/monitoring whilst recording issues - which seems to me that when I buy the new PC, this weekend, and move to a USB interface, I will be intrdoucing a potential hornets nest of issues......
 
Right then, with a new intel I3, 4gb RAM, 500gb and 1tb HDDs, SONAR X1, and bearing in mind I need the occasional 3 track simultaneous record, I need your hard advice/experience on the following products I'm looking at, so based on what I think I know (correct me please where necessary):
 
1. Focusrite Saffire 6 - great reviews - ASIO drivers  - low latency - this device is my first choice if I can overcome the following.....
Only runs off power from USB, Googled but can't find out if you can power this with a USB cable going into a USB mains socket adpter. This means I couldn't use it in a live situation without a PC! Also only two inputs, so from what I've read, ASIO under Sonar would not let me use the Saffire and my ZOOM 2.1 USB to record simultaneous separate tracks, which would give me my three inputs. I think it is to do with clock synch and/or ASIO only lets one device "work" at a time - any advice welcome. I believe you get Saffire MixControl for routing options as well, again, restricting the "live" flexibility without a PC functionality...
 
2. M-AUDIO Fast Track Pro - good reviews - some bad ones - ASIO/WDM - some buzzing noise - pres aren't as good
I like the look and especially the output options of this device, and it has it's own mains adapter. It has it's own routing software, so the "live" flex issue is the same, however the overall quality of the product does not appear as good as the Saffire. Hmmpf.
 
3. Alesis Multimix 8 USB - gives me exactly what I want - a USB device that will replace my PV6 Mixers job and allow multiple simultaneous recording to separate tracks. I can use it live and to record the band etc. The only problem is that the user reviews and the drivers say this is pretty useless!!! "avoid at all costs" as it is plug and play
 
4. And finally, if I sell my soul and my children into slavery (notice my wife is excluded from this deal) I may get the cash together to afford a Scarlett 8i6 - usual Focusrite plaudits as above - and own power supply - good routing software
However.... the options available on the physical unit appear limited which limits it's "live" flex. Also, the outputs seem limited in that you get, from what i understand, 1 & 2 are your mains, and then 3 & 4 are linked to your headphone volume? I may be wrong :-)
 
So, anyone out there got any one (or all?) of these, and how do you employ it? and what's your experience?
 
Thanks for taking the time to read this, much appreciated
 
Cheers,
 
Kap

I have the Fast track Pro. With XP pro it works 100% fine with the SPDIF inputs which is all I use ( via Yamaha 01v) If I happen to use the pre amps, the sound goes out to lunch. Not only is it fairly so, so audio quality,  there is a hi pitched scream in the background. 
There are 4 outs that 3/4 share the SPDIF out with, My Tascam is the same so this must be common. No need for more than 4 unless you own a smokin' mix down desk.
I just recently have upgraded to Window 7 but have not tried the M Audio with that computer yet. I'm hoping that better drivers woll solve the hi pitched wine problem so I can use it for mobile recording someday. 
Bad pre's are not an issue if a interface has SPDIF, Your better off to use a deicated outboard Pre amp with better converters anyway. ( $$$)  An interfaces job is to get the 0's and 1's into a USB cable and then have stable drivers for the computer. Adding the cheap pre amps is just marketing for most of them. As always you get what you pay for. 
So either purchase an expensive interface that comes with good pre's, or a mediocre interface with good drivers and go the SPDIF and a outboard pre amp/ A/D box route. 

M-Audio Fast Track Ultra is a more reliable version. Or how about the new Roland Quad-Capture?

have you overlooked the Liquid 56 or was it too pricey-2 liquid pres and 6 "ordinary"pres-for under a grand-also a good base to expand i/o`s via adat with octopre`s etc-
there`s been some controversy about Mix Control but i sent all my software and interfaces to the daw builder who installed and benchtested until it was bulletproof-well worth the extra money as i lost so much valuable time with all the dropouts and glitches on my DIY rig.  

Thanks for all the responses guys.

My budget for the interface is around £150-200 max, so the Saffire6 and Fast Track Pro fit into the bracket with prices here in the UK. The Liquid is out of my reach, as is (if I'm being honest with myself) the Scarlett 8i6 - can't help but look at it though! ;-)

If I can use my Edirol, then I think I'm going to go for the Saffire6 simply as it seems it is the least likely to cause me major problems with drivers, latency et al.

Now I just need to find out where I put my Christmas list 'cos Santa needs to know that's what I want!

Best regards,

Kap

I have not ran my current computer with only 4G of RAM, I installed all 8G during the build.  but my previous computer was a Q6600 with 4G of RAM on winxp -32bit.

I've used sonar on both machines and there's a significant improvement between the two systems.  of course the 2500 is fast than the Q6600 as well as more RAM available in 64bit programs, but I am really happy with the performance of the current system.  I can also verify that I go above 4G of usage in sonar when using Kontakt, sampletank and EZDrummer/Superior Drummer 2 since they load samples into the RAM for advanced streaming.
 
also if you want to look at some more options for a new soundcard, check out my website.  I have recommendations there.

haha - yeah.  kids need better machines so they can play online games and stream movies! ;-)

My bet is on it being a defective unit, Johnny.  I've helped a lot of people on the forums with fast track ultras who do not have feedback/whine problems.

I assume you've checked your routinng both internal and external on it, right?  It sounds like a feedback issue, but could be hardware related instead of settings.

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Any pops and crackles should be avoidable. I wouldn't expect to get that on even a relatively cheap dedicated audio interface. Is everything set up properly?