Any recommendations between these 2 audio interfaces?

I've read comments on both of those, and the PreSonus AudioBox 22VSL, that they may require a powered USB hub, especially when engaging +48 VDC phantom power.
 
You don't mention to what type of device it will be connected (PC v laptop v tablet), so just be aware of the possible issue.
 
I have the 44VSL and a Tascam, both of which have power supplies, so it's not something I can check.

Bob,
when my MOTU died and I sent it in for repair, I decided to buy a cheap interface to be a backup and one that I could use as a portable unit if desired (I have my MOTU mounted in a rack with I/O going to a patchbay, so it's not very portable).
 
I bought the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.  it's pretty.  :)  
 
it didn't work well for me and I took it back as defective.  I've had conversations with others who own focusrite products including the 2i2 and the 2i4 and the 6i6 and they all love it, so I had to assume the one I bought from GC was a defective one and that it might not happen to someone else.
 
the gain on the 2 inputs of mine did not work well.  I tried both inputs and they both needed a LOT of knob before I could get enough gain out of the unit to record anything and there was a point where they both distorted the signal before I ever reached maximum gain on the knob.
 
again, I'm assuming the one unit I happened to pick out and buy at GC happened to be defective.
 
so I returned it to GC as defective and bought a Presonus Audiobox 2x2 and it worked perfectly out of the box!  no problems using the same setup with the same cables and the same mics and connections as I had with the 2i2.
 
just my 2 cents.

Thanks for the info, folks.  I haven't used either interface myself, so that is why I was seeking input from the community on their experiences with either.
 
I'll check out the Presonus as well. I happen to have a bigger brother to that one - the AudioBox 1818 VSL, which I like quite a bit, but I just seem to recall that for lots of folks in the past who have been asked about interfaces in the entry level group, that the Focus Rite seemed to be pretty well liked - and I thought I would add the Steinberg as it seems to be owned by Yamaha now (?).
 
In the past, I had recommended that a friend buy an EMU Tracker Pre, and it turns out that it blows chunks when trying to run it on Windows 8.1, with what looks like no hope whatsoever of further drivers for it, and I don't want to make a similar mistake again, in recommending one that ends up being a lemon, or a dead end discontinued model or defunct company.
 
Thanks again, 
 
Bob Bone