My next audio interface will be...

I know this should  be in the hardware forum but I figured that if you guys visit that forum as often as I do, it was probably better to just post it here...

I need max 2 inputs, but since I/Os seem to come in pairs, I could do w/ 4, I guess. Decent converters. No need for preamp.

I need 4 analog outputs because I want to ditch the hardware mixer I use as a patchbay and I need to feed 2 sets of monitors. So, preferably 4 1/4 analog outputs. The most efficient the software mixer, the better.

I need USB or Firewire because of portability issues/laptop.

Decent latency - and, an optional direct monitoring switch would be awesome.

I don't want to break the bank because 1: I have furniture and monitors to buy, and 2: It's likely to be replaced in a not so distant future (though I'll still use it for my portable rig).

So far the contenders are:

Presonus AudioBox 44VSL 

Focusrite 8i6 (exceeding the i/o config I need , but, at that price...)

Focusrite Saffire USB - not sure I like the RCA ouputs on that one - I'd prefer 4 balanced outputs

M-Audio Fast Track C400 - looks nice, but I think I might like to opt for something that I can hide somewhere in a rack instead of something that'll stand on my desk. OTOH, having a button readily available to switch monitors and a knob to dial the headphone volume w/o the need to call up the software mixer sounds interesting.

Opinions and other suggestions welcome...

Thanks Jules! 

I was inclined to believe that the Focusrite probably had better converters. In fact, I bought my current portable interface (Fast track) because I have a long history w/ M-Audio and good luck w/ them. Plus, I was in a hurry. My wife insisted that I should take the time to shop around, and when I first read about Scarlett, I figured she was probably right. (I know... ;)

I don't know exactly what's included w/ the Scarlett but I do own both the Scarlett and Midnight plug-in bundles. There's a few things I like in Scarlett. Midnight (Eq and Comp) ranks very high on my list. I still can't believe that these plug-ins are so cheap.

I've heard a few stories about Presonus, and I tend to remember the bad ones, so I included it because I know some people must have had no issues w/ them. Plus, features-wise, it's pretty much what I want. (though I hate the color blue!).

I use roland VS-100 and I love it but for a guitar only VS-20 would be sufficient and very portable.

Rain

 Id this awesome thing cross platform? I work on Mac - though I may integrate a PC again sometime in the not so distant future...

it does, of course it's most suited for cakewalk but it has drivers for MAC.


http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.php?ProductId=1100

Roland's latest interface the Duo-Capture EX is PC, Mac and iPad compatable. maybe they will start updating existing models for iPad?

Th iPad option may have some uses if you are on the road a lot.

http://forum.cakewalk.com/tm.aspx?m=2653785

I'll jump on the Focusrite train.
My Saffire has been trouble-free for almost 3 years. It's the original model, FireWire, 2 ins (2 phone plugs or 2 XLR or a comination) and 8 1/4" outputs. Phantom power.
Two headphone outs, and you can send different mixes to each.
Guitarhacker has the same model.
Too bad it's no longer available (?), but the USB model is very similar.

offnote

Rain


Would be perfect, but missing 2 outs. :(

I checked the Cakewalk/Roland line but didn't find anything close to 4 I/Os unfortunately.

what are you saying? VS-100 has 8in/6 out, octa-capture 8in/8out.

Yep, but that one I wasn't sure if it was cross-platform.

I also had the M-Audio Fast Track Pro and was not happy with the performance.
I just got the Focusrite Scarlett 18i6 and love it.
It's the first time I can use ASIO drivers and latency is not an issue.

The front inputs are pre-amped but the back6 are not..
Only has 2 - 1/4" main outs but I also have a Presonus HP4 which offers 2 more.

Mike 

+1 for Focusrite ,
 
I have the Liquid Saffire 56 and the Pro 24 DSP. Both different animals, one with preamp emulations, one with processors built in. Both have , I beliewve, the I/Os you are looking for.

The Saffire 56 is prob more than you need, the 24DSP is a half rack  size though, and more reasonable priced.

The magic is in the software mixer, which allows plenty of configurations to fit your needs, plus you can store the configurations as presets.The latest drivers and Mix version seems to have the bugs worked out, esp with Sonar.

Thanks for all the feedback and additional options guys - and Jules. :) Keep them coming if you think of anything else worth checking out. 

This will be a tough decision - but an informed one. At the moment, Focusrite seems to be a very strong contender.

Really?! That thing has VRM built in, right?

I wouldn't want to set you back but I may be interested. I guess it'll depends on how much we spend on the car + studio desk + monitors this afternoon. I wasn't planning on buying it that soon due to the aforementioned items we have to buy asap, but I'll have to run this opportunity by my wife later today. ;)

I'll PM you later today or early tomorrow. :) Thanks!

No probs ol pal.  It ain't goin nowheres:-)

Also, if you've got Firewire, I've got an extra MOTU 896HD in great condition. I'm running another 896HD and an 8Pre so I don't need it. Very reasonable.

I'm asking $350 for it. Record up to 192. 8 XLR ins, 8 XLR direct outs, 2 XLR Main outs. 9 out of 10 functionally and cosmetically. Pictures available. /Buyer pays shipping from Texas. I've got an extra that why I'm selling it.

Just lemme know. I've the original box etc.