$1,500 Budget Audio Interface

RME UCX would be a good choice.

I've been eyeing that one as well. Anyone know how the latency is on the RME? Also is the age of the unit an issue with newer interfaces?

Jeff M.
RME UCX would be a good choice.

If you can stretch to the RME UFX, I'd go for that but the UCX is very good.... only wish I had one!

I like my ucx. There have been occasions where i wished i had bought the ufx. But the ucx with the rme quad Mic pre gives me eight inputs, six with phantom, in one u. The ufx, scales up higher, but sixteen inputs is enough for me most days.

highlandermak
So I'm interested in upgrading my studio 192 interface. I'm windows based and can use usb or install an expansion card to support FireWire or thunderbolt if need be (motherboard does support thunderbolt option but card is a bit pricey) . I'm looking for an interface that can handle virtual instruments well with minimum latency. If you had a budget of $1,500 which interface would you go with? Thanks

You've got the budget to get a nice audio interface.
 
If you go Thunderbolt, make absolutely sure the motherboard supports Thunderbolt-3... and that the add-in-card is a Thunderbolt-3 controller.  You can't install/use the Asus Thunderbolt EX-3 if the motherboard doesn't specifically support it.  If you're good with the motherboard and Thunderbolt-3 controller, you'll need to run an up-to-date install of Win10x64... and you'll also need a Thunderbolt-3 to Thunderbolt-2 adapter (as most all Thunderbolt audio interfaces are using Thunderbolt-2).  Apple makes a Thunderbolt-3 to Thunderbolt-2 adapter for ~$50.  We've had good luck with it under many different circumstances.
 
Side note:
Universal Audio's new (small) Arrow audio interface is Thunderbolt-3.
UA have also announced a Thunderbolt-3 option card for the Apollo series.
 
The Presonus Quantum is a nice audio interface at ~$1000.
The MOTU AVB series is excellent.
The RME UFX+ is excellent.
The UA Apollo 8/p is another great choice.
 
All offer extremely low noise, low round-trip latency, and rock-solid drivers.
 
All of the RME USB-2 audio interfaces are excellent performers.
Round-trip latency is slightly higher than the best Thunderbolt audio interfaces.
Note that the UA Apollo series (due to the onboard DSP functions) has round-trip latency just about equal to the RME USB-2 units.
 
MOTU's USB-2 audio interfaces are also very good performers.
Good sound, low round-trip latency, etc.
 
But the rest of your gear/setup will determine which choice best suits your situation.
Right now, we're all somewhat stabbing-in-the-dark with recommendations.
Since you're replacing the Studio 192, I assume you're looking for the same type of I/O configuration?
If so:

• RME Fireface UFX or UFX+
• MOTU 1248 AVB
• Presonus Quantum
• Apollo 8/p

All are excellent choices...
 
If you go Thunderbolt, make sure you've got all the details covered before ordering.
 
 
 

Thank you so much for the great feedback. Nice thing I have time and could save up to the RME Fireface UFX II price range. There might also be some new products that pop up this year.

I'm guessing nothing is "wrong" per se... but perhaps the OP is looking to achieve lower round-trip latency.

patm300e
Just curious, what is wrong with the Studio 192? 

It started out rough with constant dropouts and crackling. After a few driver and firmware updates it started working better and have been able to mix for the last year (I've had the 192 since March of 2016). If curious I have tried the 192 on 3 different machines with different cables and multitudes of setting. All producing poor latency when I add the VIs. I primarily use the XLN addictive series for drums and pianos, Rapture Pro for synths, in conjunction with Waves and IK Multimedia products as my main effects. I was less than thrilled with the customer support (on the hardware side) as they kept asking me to use it with studio one. Ironically I have switched to Studio One 3 pro and yes I like Studio One 3 a lot however as soon as I add virtual instruments I still need to bump the buffers up. As stated from Jim I'm looking to be able to record within the next year and with the latency I get it would not work well.  
 

So now I'm eyeing the Fireface UFX II. It's usb2 in comparison to the UFX + which is usb3. Price difference of $2,300 vs $2,800 from what i recal. Does anyone know if there is any difference with latency . Thanks

With such a budget you could really find a great deal, you just have to choose wisely.