I still use an E-MU 1616m (via their PCI card) with an ADA8000 for extra less critical inputs. I do have a Presonus 16.4.2 but found this less flexible so I now keep this for live use only. I find using the E-MU 1616m for summing four stereo pairs back into Sonar for a mix seems to get the best quality and have found the A/D of the two main input channels on the 1616m to be of very high quality to my ears. 

Progmatist


I prefer to direct monitor through a mixer while recording.  That way I don't have to worry about audio interface latency or mess with audio effects in real time.  Perhaps this could be a major reason why for me, X1a has been smooth sailing while others have had nothing but problems.

I think latency, especially as it pertains to recording a live/external source (mics, guitars, etc) is the one area where computers still have a problem.
 
We see countless questions on this forum alone about how to avoid the dreaded 'delay' in monitoring such sources.
 
There are workarounds, as some of us know, but it's close to impossible to get a "no delay/latency" condition solely "ITB".   So I think until the throughput speed of the entire signal chain reaches at least an acceptable position, there will always be some need for alternate methods.
 
Or when DAW software allows for true interaction with direct monitoring, at least.
 
 
 
 

mixers, like tonic water? oh the hardware kind. I use mine as a doorstop. Works nicely.

Just gave mine away. It had been sitting in the closet for the past 5 years. Before that, it was pretty much just a convenient place to plug multiple synths and mics into. My interface has 8 line and 2 mic inputs plus digital I/O, 10 line outs, an effects loop and headphone amp. There isn't much more that a mixer could offer.