I take the easy way out.

Stream audio via laptop

Plug laptop into console

Route console into Sonar

Record

replay music 4.

Roxio Creator can do this easily without messing with cables or anything else.  It has a feature called "capture audio from sound card" that does this automatically without using the computer's default soundcard.  It's not free, but it's still won't cost an arm and a leg, and it can do a lot of other functions that you may like.

Just wanted to chime in with another suggestion on how to skin this cat so to speak.  Loop the SPDIF out on the 18i6 into the SPDIF in.  You will need to set the source for the SPDIF out to DAW 1 and 2 in MixControl.  You will also need to mute the track you are recording to in X1 or you WILL induce feedback.

Oh man... that's super simple. Thanks, Matt. Just need to buy the cable. I was considering a getting an 8i6 to chain together with the 18i6 so I can have an extra two mic pres and have a second interface but I'm not seeing the optical connector. Is that just not possible with the 8i6? Cheers.

I just did a quick experiment on my non-daw with a realtek. I was able to record from u-tube using the sound recorder app on windows 7. It created a wma file.

Using the 8i6 with the 18i6 would be limited to SPDIF interfacing.  You could send the output of the 2 pre's on the 8i6 through it's SPDIF out to the SPDIF in on the 18i6 to gain an additional 2 mic pres/line inputs to your DAW.  Conversely you could run signal from your 18i6's SPDIF outs to the 8i6's line outputs via the 8i6's SPDIF ins for an extra 2 line outputs.  Basically the 8i6 will be functioning as 2 ch A/D and D/A with 2 mic pre's and a headphone amp.  Not too bad for the money, but if you just want more inputs, you are probably better off getting an Octopre or some other kind of A/D with optical output.

Wiretap Pro.

timidi


Wiretap Pro.

that's only available for Homeland Security agents.  how did you get it???? 

@Matt... I think I'd probably be better off with a second 18i6 at that point. It's only $50 more. I was more thinking it's be nice to have the loopback feature as well but that SPDIF trick (as well as the other suggestions made here) kind of eliminates that need. The Octo Pre would be great but it's a lot pricier and having an actual second interface would be handy. I can always use my old Mackie mixer for extra pres if necessary but four is enough for my home tracking. Cheers.