Recommend X1C audio interface for guitarists (sorry for another interface question)

I'm looking for an audio interface for Sonar X1C - my requirements in order of decending importance:

- Compatibility with Sonar X1C 64bit running on Windows 7 64bit

- HI-Z Interface for guitar input

- Under $300 (would consider used)

- Ability to monitor recording in realtime with a minimum or no latency with guitar effects (software or hardware)

- Ability to record a dry guitar signal for later re-amping

- 2 Mic inputs would be nice for stereo recording

- Control surface would be nice

- MIDI In/Out (if I have to get a USB MIDI interface, it would not be the end of the world)

- USB 2 interface (however, would consider PCI if everything else was met)

- 44.1khz would probably be fine for me


My first thought would be the VS-20 - no MIDI nor USB 2, and only 1 mic input, but stereo mics built in

Quad Capture? My concern would be how bad would the latency be for monitoring recording using a software amp / effects app, such as Guitar Rig? Also would I still be able to lay down a dry guitar track?

Zoom R16 - I like all the mic inputs, being able to record standalone without a computer and all, but how compatible with Sonar X1 as an audio interface / control surface, and would re-amping be possible

M-Audio Fast Track Ultra - good number of mic inputs, but same conerns regarding X1 compatibility and direct monitoring / re-amping

Thanks

My recommendation is the Lexicon U42s, as long as it is only being used for a guitar interface.  The preamps are useless, but I have used them and recorded with them.  The problem with the preamps, they only start to really work in the last 6db of the trim pot.

I recommend this interface for guitarists because the driver allows you to prioritize the interface, it is really neat being able to give the interface more grunt.  When I used it with GR4, it was beautiful no latency.  Another neat thing about this device is it has two DI's and two headphone amps.  It is rock solid build wise and is USB 2.

You should be able to pick one of these up for around $400 new don't worry if the listing price is higher, trust me if you shop around you will pick one of these up for $400.  If you can't afford that the there is a cut down version of this interface which is U22 I think def get one for $300 new.  http://www.lexiconpro.com/product.php?id=171

I wish I had not sold mine because as I say as a guitar interface it is the bomb.  JMHO.

Peace Ben

while a device might provide ASIO Direct Monitoring (ADM) SONAR doesn not make use of it. Lot's of discussion on ADM here at SONAR Forum as well as places like the RME forum.

I'm intrigued how one particular poster is able to achieve no latency while monitoring the effected sound.

 

Sorry i thought he wanted USB or PCI card at a push.

I use the Maudio fast track ulta, I've had no issue. I can even plug two guitars in at once. :)

Roland Quad-Capture.
Mix knob is great!

Line6 UX-2
it has all the pros you wanted plus "world of guitar sounds" in Pod Farm 2 software.

And this soft, unlike any others allows you to listen processed guitar whle recording processed AND clean sound !

Moreover, unlike E-mu interfaces, it allows you to ue the sme time aplications working on ASIO and DirectX drivers (in example: using PodFarm to play along with youtube clip of your favourite band)

bleah :P

in a fact, there are only 3 worth of buy guitar soft on the market:
- Guitar Rig from Native Instruments (together with dedicated interface / controller)
- Waves GTR 3.5 (but expensive)
- Line6 PodFarm 2.5 (free with Line6 interfaces)

Since you would accept PCI (ie firewire card), I can recommend the Profire 610. It has everything you asked for. I use it with Sonar X1 x64 bit. With my system (i7 2600K), I can run at the lowest latency setting. While it is $399 new, when I purchased mine, I did research on ebay to see how many people were selling them used. I came across a reputable seller selling them new, with free shipping, for $299. I took that listing to GC and they matched it! I am sure the other interfaces people are suggesting are also very good. I only am familiar with the Profire 610 and it works well for me. Good luck!

Saffire Pro range: http://www.focusrite.com/products/

Thanks all for your kind recommendations.
 
The VS-20 seemed like the most obvious solution, but I've been hearing such great things about the Quad-Capture, and they are roughly the same price.
 
I'm also looking ahead.  Let's say I get the VS-20, and outgrow it and get a more robust interface, like the Quad - would the two play together as audio interfaces, or would the VS-20 be have to be relegated to being just a control surface?
 
The biggest thing about any audio interface which doesn't have hardware effects built in is the latency when monitoring the effected guitar signal with input echo while recording.
 
So those of you who have recommended the Quad, the Fast Track Ultra, Saffire Pro, etc. have latency which you can deal with?
 
I'd still love to hear from someone with Zoom R16 experience, because of the number of input channels, along with it's dual life as a portable recorder.
 
Thanks again.