Looking to replace my Event Layla 3G with the new computer build.  Do I need to really save $$ and get a good interface for $1.5k+....or get a MOTU or similar?  I don't need anymore than 8/8 or even 4/4 in/outs, as it is for personal use and the occasional friend.  Therefore a pair of stereo ins would at least be needed.

I always thought the Layla was nice   ....I owned a Gina, then the layla20(two)...then the 3G to go 24 bit.   But I've never really heard anything else and wondering if I'd be wasting $1000 on the interface and should just put it in the computer.  I understand quality = $, but this is for a serious hobby... not pro.
 
thx
Chris

You can get a lot of options in the 8 or 4 range - anywhere from ~ $300-to$1000. Some folks tend to gravitate toward more esoteric devices, but I don't see the value in these for home project recording. I'm using a MOTU ultralite, 2 pre's plus 8 I/O - plenty to go around for home use, rugged enough it doesn't mind being tossed in a bag.

???
This only one of some other places on-line or say a local store.
What you need is up to you.
http://www.sweetwater.com/shop/computer-audio/audio_interfaces/
and I suppose it is what you do with it. I don't use any soft synths so far, but I may in which case I probably need a better computer.
I have this and it serves my needs quite well, along with some other equipment.
Channel Strips can help as well as other devices made for recording (i.e. TC Helicon Voice, whatever).
Depends are how much you want to spend on your serious but not pro setup. (if it was pro it probably cost a lot, lot more even with microphones and such.)
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Babyface/
(if a bad unit just get it replaced, as you can tell from the get-go on one but get from a dealer who won't shaft you).
http://www.sweetwater.com/c665--Channel_Strips
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/StudioChan/
http://www.sweetwater.com/c482--Reverbs_Effects
 
or any one of the others there whatever.
 
 

yeah... I'm looking at the RME Babyface with 3 analog inputs... which would barely be enough.  Wondering if it is a jump that I WOULD HEAR from my Layla.
 
The MOTU ultralight is high on the list too.  Seems to be around $500ish or so and in a "comfortable" price range.  $1500 pushes things a bit and almost out of the thought process.  The Babyface is only $750.

spacealf...I see we posted about the same time.  Sweetwater is basically my "go to" place to order online.  I've had GREAT experiences with them....barring one hardware synth repair that took about 45 days... but I think they needed a part from Japan (Roland).   The Babyface seems to be about #1 on the list.  I wish it had 4 analog ins...and they can be all line in.  I don't really need the pres.
 

btw... I'd probably pass on the PreSonus and stuff of that caliber.  I'd think it'd be a step backwards from my Layla. 
 

Babyface has two analog inputs and also like 2 SPDIF whatever or also 8 ADAT for 10 inputs providing extra equipment is hooked up to it. I only use the 2 analog inputs. It has two Analog outputs also and two headphones hookups, one I use for my computer speakers and the on-board one for headphones. The analog outputs would go to a powered monitor speaker system or like my stereo I use for it.
 
There are other ones and higher priced RME units also like the UCX or UFX like some here have.
I only do two tracks at a time - left and right.
Also other units to look at also.
 
Of course this group became a hit for awhile doing the News with - autotune.
Funny at times especially when it first came out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bduQaCRkgg4&list=PLF93C0F9367DDA10B
 
That would be a unit like or similiar to the TC Helicon Voice units.
 

thx... the bigger RME stuff jumps to the $2k price and gives a pile of in/outs.   I'd like 4 analog inputs if possible.  Two is a little limiting, but I only need more about 5% of the time... which is enough to justify more than stereo ins.
I can't seem to find a high caliber, <$1000 unit that has 4 inputs analog.  I don't want to get into the ADAT interface junk....unless I'm missing some options there.  I'd rather have dedicated pres and channel strips and just the line ins on the AD converters.  I wish someone like RME would make that and skip their pres as well.  ...for UNDER $1000.
All the stuff seems geared with these universal inputs (XLR/line)...and I'd just take all balanced line ins.  A couple stereo pair outs for cans would be nice...otherwise just the stereo outs work too.

Some people like the Roland Octacapture and units like that.
 
I really don't have any advice I can give.
 

Adat in/out would be the optimum route if you mainly use 2 inputs but sometimes need more.  Babyface or Audient iD22.
 
The lynx stuff is superb, but is $2000 for 8 x 8.  However, you'll be pro level for each of them.  The USB works fine.
 
I'm happy w/ my TCK 48, but that is a FW unit.  And they had lots of trouble getting the drivers right, which is probably why they haven't stuck usb on it.  Shame, since it sounds really nice (esp. the DA, 12 x 10 + ADAT + spdif, top notch dsp effects).