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...

Wow. I have very nearly dealt with every piece on that list. I tried a Presonus Firebox a few years ago (last computer) and I could not get it to work no matter who I talked to or which forum I went to.  I bought an M-Audio Fast Track Ultra, instead.  It worked well, except that I had to have it replaced-- twice. Others I know have not had any issues and love theirs.  I think I might have accidentally blown out an input the first time I had it replaced (for Free, I should say.  Customer Service was a little slow, but solid) and the second time... Three of four ins had slowly deteriorated and no longer worked.  I decided to try something else.

I just got a new Focusrite Scarlett 6i6, and I am very happy with it.  Sounds and feels more solid as a piece of equipment than the M-Audio did.  The sound is better than everything else I've had in that range.  Great, clean, quieter gain. A bit more airy...no... A but cleaner sound than the M audio.  I think the FTU was a little warmer, but cheaper sounding, and the gain wasn't as good.


FWIW


EDIT to add: the Scarlett is basically the Saffire with an added software bundle.  I use one or two things in it.

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!).

The presonus is a pretty solid unit. A few things you should know.
Although it has 4 in, 2 are hiZ/Mic and 2 are line-in/Mic. The main out, headphone out and line out 1+2 are the same mix.

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

offnote


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

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

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

scook


The presonus is a pretty solid unit. A few things you should know.
Although it has 4 in, 2 are hiZ/Mic and 2 are line-in/Mic. The main out, headphone out and line out 1+2 are the same mix.

Thanks. The in section would be ok. I guess I could do w/ the same mix in all outputs - I could still get separate mixes through software even if I'd prefer to at least have control over the volume via the hardware. I could make it work through software though.

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

Would be perfect, but missing 2 outs. :(

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