So I've asked in the past, but it's been a while and figured I'd ask again.
 
Any suggestions for an audio interface that:
 
- only has a couple ins/outs since I really don't need more than a couple... i'll settle for more than a couple if I have to but they will go unused.
- has really great performance both in terms of low latency, great audio quality, AND windows drivers (looking at you focusrite for making my life hell haha)
- great mic preamps on the ins
- is NOT a "budget" or "cheap" or "portable" or "amateur" or other word like that. I'm willing to pay for this thing if it exists.
- but also isn't like $1500 haha. I was hoping to spend between $300-800 lets say. pretty big range. 
 
I'm coming from a Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 2nd gen which has been nothing but a buggy mess for me. I didn't buy it because it's cheap, I bought it because it has everything I want in an interface and great reviews. I used to have the 1st gen which worked great but couldn't quite handle my bigger projects (things would start getting crackles if I had too many tracks going and I was not using too much CPU). The 2nd gen fixes that problem, so I know it's the latency of the 1st gen that was the problem... But in fixing that, I now have all kinds of seemingly driver related issues with the 2nd gen. Here are some examples:
 
- All sound cuts stops until I reboot
- All sound becomes slowed down, crackly and distorted until I reboot
- When I stop the track in Sonar, everything freezes for a few seconds, and if I click the mouse, the program stops responding (if I am just patient and wait it usually is fine, but it's annoying as hell).
 
And yes I've tried both the newest regular drivers and beta drivers. And I just recently did a fresh Windows install, so honestly, I'm not looking to do another one haha. It's gotta be some hardware, and all signs point to the 2nd gen Focusrite since things were good for the most part with the 1st gen.
 
Thanks!

I replaced my old M-audio Delta 66 with a Behringer FCA1616. I went with the 1616 because it was cheap and rack mountable. And like you, I only need one or two inputs. Most rack mount boxes have 16 or more inputs and are setup for doing bands.
 
I'm never going to record bands or anything like that. The only thing I find more annoying than other musicians is other musicians that are actually in my house. Just the time you have to spend prepping before they even get there, hiding all the valuables, locking all the guns... But I digress.
 
Anyway the nice thing about the 1616 is its cheap and so far, it works. I can't say its been flawless though. It does require a reboot in the middle of a session every now and then because it'll start doing things similar to what you're experiencing with your focusrite. Not every session though. Maybe one out of every ten sessions needs a reboot mid-stream. For the price, I'm not going to complain. Do the preamps sound good? I ain't no George Martin but they seem to do the job just fine for me.

I've never used any MOTU stuff but I've always heard good things about them. If I ever need to replace the 1616, I might go with this box.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AudioExpress
 
 

Audient would suit your needs.

So MOTU Audio Express and Audient iD14 both seem like interesting options for me to consider. Gonna do a lot of research. Thanks for the comments. If anyone else has any input would love to hear it.
 
BTW the M-Audio Delta 66 was the first serious audio interface I ever bought after using Soundblasters in the early days haha. Then an M-Audio Ozonic with the interface built into the keyboard, and then I moved onto Focusrite from there.
 
Oh and...

JohanSebatianGremlin
I'm never going to record bands or anything like that. The only thing I find more annoying than other musicians is other musicians that are actually in my house. Just the time you have to spend prepping before they even get there, hiding all the valuables, locking all the guns... But I digress.

 
Man do I hear you haha. I used to do that for a while when I was figuring out my place in music... NO more. Haha.
 

I have heard many recommendations that the best drivers for low latency work are made by RME and MOTU.
 

The RME Babyface Pro, which usually clocks in at about $800-$900, sometimes cheaper if its on sale. Great converters, two decent mic pres, and the best drivers in the business (rock stable, low latency, frequent updates and long-term support).

abacab
I have heard many recommendations that the best drivers for low latency work are made by RME and MOTU.
 

very true. both top notch.
 
MOTU AVB Ultralite would be excellent value for its price.

Thanks for the continued comments. I'll look into those models too. Definitely want to get something that is going to be as stable as possible, that's going to be goal #1. Sounding good is goal #2. And since I barely ever record externa instruments that shouldn't be a problem anyway haha.

BlixYZ
Audient would suit your needs.

+1000
I have the Audient iD22, and it sounds beautiful. Awesome mic preamps that respond well to being driven hard. It also doubles as a great monitor controller. Runs about $600.

rme babyface pro fits the bill perfectly.