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.

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.

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.

Rain

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.

 

Supports all major DAW platforms on Mac or PC, including OSX 10.6 and Windows 7, through ASIO 2.0/WDM (Windows) and Core Audio (Mac) drivers  
http://www.roland.co.uk/products/productdetails.aspx?p=1127&c=665

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 

It looks to me like the VSL is exactly what you are looking for. I've never used one but it surely has the feature set you are looking for but so are some of the others for cheaper.

274.00 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?sku=776926&Q=&O=&is=REG&A=details

This might be an option for 199.00 http://www.akaipro.com/eiepro 

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/EIE?utm_source=none&utm_medium=PPC&utm_campaign=none&gclid=CO-SuuvWqLICFQsGnQodR1QAGA

At 139.00 the C400 looks like the best deal as far as money. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/821335-REG/M_Audio_9900_65162_12_Fast_Track_C400.html

8i6 for 213.00 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?sku=761956&Q=add&O=productlist.jsp&is=REG&q=1&A=cart

I guess you just need to read reviews about drivers and converters... 

OH, and B&H has a used Akai Pro for 149.00   http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/used/822407/Akai_EIE_PRO_EIE_Electromusic_Interface_Expander_Pro.html 

J

+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.

After going through a bunch of different popular interfaces I've finally settled on a MOTU Audio Express.  Performs...so far...flawlessly with very low latency.  Looks like its I/O would meet your needs.

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.

I've got an "as new" Focusrite Pro24DSP all boxed up and ready for EBay.  PM me if you're interested.