So Interfaces I've tried with Sonar:
 
1. Tascam 1200
2. Rme 9652 PCI
3.  Tascam 2x2
4. (Just ordered) Focusrite Forte
 
the rme was awesome but required extra gear to convert the digital audio and that took up too much space, so got the tascam 2x2, which has been quirky, but it's quirky because of my own cotton picken computer (I think).  I'm wondering how the forte will fare.  Has anyone used it?
 

I believe both cclarry and vastman have the Focusrite Forte. If no one chimes in try shooting them a PM.

So I got the Forte today.  First most obvious difference was the clarity and presence of the audio.  It's triple the price of the Tascam so it ought to sound good. :D  It doesn't have built in midi though.
 

the forte and TAscam uh7000 are all "premium" units w/ better conversion and preamps.  The TASCAM is nice and I've only read and heard good things about the FORTE.  So yes, they are a step above the non-premium units but don't include a lot of bells and whistles - like midi.

Eph... I just love my forte...hope it works for you. I also tried a number if interfaces before the forte and it was a no brainer after the first night. I long ago got rid of all my off board midi gear so this isn't an issue for me.

The instrument pres are very good...i routinely plug both bass and guitar direct with no dbox. I just love the vocal pre's...as a singer this was the icing on the cake.

Can't imagine another upgrade unless it's to move to thunderbolt or usb3 for improved latency; i assume the pricy new focusrite units are using the high end pres/dacs of the forte. But sonar's direct audio&midi recording makers it much easier to offload synths these days and keep cpu loads low.

It's a lovely designed unit. However, to be honest I don't use the big knob or anything...it's tucked away.