I use a Focusrite 2i4 and when I start up ( and shut down ) my PC I get some very loud pops through my M-Audio BX5 monitors. Does anyone else get this and is it normal. The tech team at Focusrite just tell me to turn the monitors on last ( and off first ), which I know is technically the right thing to do, but with the switches behind the monitors and not easy to get to this is not practical. I also have a Taskam US 144 interface and interestingly this doesn't create any noise through the monitors on start up / shut down ( with all other kit and connectors being the same ). I'm running Windows 8.1 and all drivers are up to date. Any advice welcome.

Focusrite advised you correctly. My Tascam US-16x08 has 'buffered' Line Outs (no pops). My PreSonus AB VSL44 popped my BX8 monitors, but good. And yes, the switches are on the back, and yes, it's a bit of a PITA to power cycle them in sequence, but I do it anyway, out of habit.
 
So, power cycle your monitors in sequence...or deal with the pops.
 
Those are, unfortunately, your only two choices. Sorry.
 
Edit: Sorry, there's a third choice. Use the Tascam. And a fourth. Buy a new Tascam US-NxN i/f.

+1, I also power on/off everything in sequence, but two things come to mind.
 
Do they pop even with the 2i4 monitor gain dialed down to zero? If so, a power strip would give you an alternative to having the "monitor switch" in easier reach.
 
I actually bought a Yamaha mixer because the power switch was on the face within reach because I knew I didn't want to get up to power it on/off.

Mettelus ... yes, even with the 2i4 monitor gain dialed down to zero they pop. I've seen the suggestion of the separate power switch elsewhere (  but thanks for the suggestion ). It's interesting how the Tascam works differently though, so I might use this on the PC ( which gets turned off and on a lot ) and use the Focusrite on my Sonar dedicated laptop.

I also have the 2i4 and have always powered them on after everything is up/running. I did notice that popping noise on my H-phones when I forgot to unplug them from the 2i4. So, I assumed (I know...never assume) that this is the norm and I should follow the order of powering up and down to avoid this noise.
 
Sorry, but it is what it is.....    

You might want to check out this recent thread on the subject. I have the same problem with my 2i4 and I think the TC Electronic volume control could help in our situation.

http://forum.cakewalk.com...spx?m=2257832&fp=2

IainThompson
Mettelus ... yes, even with the 2i4 monitor gain dialed down to zero they pop. I've seen the suggestion of the separate power switch elsewhere (  but thanks for the suggestion ). It's interesting how the Tascam works differently though, so I might use this on the PC ( which gets turned off and on a lot ) and use the Focusrite on my Sonar dedicated laptop.

The popping is a hardware issue. A manufacturer needs to add circuitry to avoid the popping. I called it 'buffering' above to try to keep it simple, but the output needs to be disconnected until the interface is powered up internally, and the Line Out amplifiers are stable. Then you connect the amp to the physical output. Same with the headphone amp.

NEVER TURN ON ANYTHING WITH YOUR MONITORS ON.
 
rule #1.
 
 
monitors on last.

RSMCGUITAR
You might want to check out this recent thread on the subject. I have the same problem with my 2i4 and I think the TC Electronic volume control could help in our situation.

The TC Electronic volume control looks nice ... just put off by the four connecting leads though ( as the Focusrite 2i4 doesn't have XLR line out and the XLR inputs off the volume controller are not long enough to reach the separate monitors, so that would mean 4 extra leads ). Thanks for the suggestion though.

My 6i6 does the same so it's a design "flaw?" because yes, my Tascam us1641 does not pop. 
I shut my power amp off before ending my sessions,, then it's the last thing turned on when starting up. I also always turn the monitor level control all the way down. Just a habit. 
Very few powered monitors seem to have a front power swicth which is kinda dumb. But I guess a power strip or conditioner is par for the course in a real studio anyway's.