Budget interface? $120-ish?

Hey, everyone. I finally started making small amounts of money here and there recording projects for friends, and I realize that I won't be able to get a lot better if I don't purchase an audio interface. 
I've been digging deep into interfaces recently, and I've come up with a few options... a friend of mine owns a Peavy PV6, and another has an ART USB Mix. I see ART is a bit on the lower end... the PV6 seems to be holding up okay. (I want a way lower noise floor.)
 
I've looked into everything: Scarlett 2i2, AudioBox, Lexicon Alpha, MultiMix, Akai EIE... I don't have any way to test anything.
 
So I'm wondering... of all these budget interfaces, what is THE best value for the money?
 

Do you need midi in/out?  The 2i2 does not provide that.  
You might look at the Tascam US-144MKI.  
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/tascam-us-144mkii-usb-2.0-4-channel-audio-midi-interface
 
I have never used it but it has some nice features.  
 
Have you thought about getting a unit that will also work an iPad?
 

Yea, I think I'd go with what many others have had success with, and that seems to be the focusrite.  I haven't heard many, if any, negative comments about it and there are apparently a lot of users.
 
@

Looks like the Scarlett has it... good thing it's what I had in my sig already  haha so as it stands, I don't NEED more than two inputs ever (really more than one, but I plan to mess around with stereo micing, live performances and stuff soon), and I'm sure I won't need more than two outs! Thanks for the suggestions though, guys! 
 
I actually don't even have a MIDI device that doesn't use USB (o/c the 2i2 doesn't have MIDI), but does this imply that it's 'better' to go ahead and use the MIDI I/O's on the box rather than with, for example, USB into the computer?  More convenient?

Makes sense. That does then require that my midi device, whichever I get, has the standard MIDI IO's then... making the Nektar LX49 a non-choice in this case. I would like to free up the other port, though my intention for a purchase after a new box was a MIDI controller. Maybe it's no problem to reevaluate my options in terms of controllers as well.

W

Always check the back of the midi unit (keyboard). Usually they will have both - 5 pin din for midi (regular) and USB.
Check everything, because some USB on a keyboard may be for only downloading to another program to change the patch sound and upload it again from a program that runs on the computer. The regular din MIDI connection is the normal one, and while some support USB, if you could record at 96000 sample rate and 24-bit with ASIO drivers in the audio/interface, the USB probably only records at 44.1kHz sample rate or 48kHz sample rate at the most and there is no way to record at 96kHz sample rate. Usually most are still only 44.1kHz sample rate (at least on my units say for guitar - guitar effects box unit or the USB like said is used for changing sounds only like mentioned. (I use the line outputs on my guitar boxes to record at any speed since they either go to a mixer or an amp and can be used to record with also).
Not all keyboards have full midi implementation and others do, which may make a difference in the end also. (only subpart midi implementation). Yes I know it costs more, but there is used equipment to buy also.
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/
 
And as for anything else, the Peavey6 can be used and plugged into say a Focusrite two inputs (left and right) and also the ART unit (if stereo) or probably even both plugged in like the Peavey to the ART to the Focusrite, as long as the inputs on the Focusrite are not overloaded, any combination can be used or no combination and just the Focusrite.
 
If used equipment for the audio/interface (or even new equipment) make sure the drivers are for current OS's and are good to use. Some really older equipment may be there to sell that drivers were not updated for newer OSs on a computer.
Not good then.
 
 

I'm now looking at the 2i4.. I like some of the added features that he 2i2 doesn't appear to have (like the stereo/mono switch, MIDI I/O, 1-4 output switches).
I'm thinking of going used, cuz there are some cheap ones around, but before that- does anyone have any experience with Full Compass? Would it be a worth-it buy to get one of their B-Stocks on a 2i4, and are they trusted?

If all the features fits your needs, then make sure Full Compass's drivers have good support........otherwise, you'll end up crying.  

our tests at gearevu.com yielded results which would very strongly recommend the Focusrite stuff.