Jim Roseberry
You previously asked about the FastTrack Ultra 8R.
That unit is actually pretty decent.
I shelved mine for a good while (when they removed "high-performance" mode - which offers low round-trip latency).
With the latest driver update (recent), high-performance mode is now back.
Round-trip latency is 5ms at a 64-sample ASIO buffer size/44.1k.
The analog section is just a little bit bright (compared to some units), but you can capture good results with it.
If you can source one for under $300, I'd definitely consider it.
I used mine playing soft-synths live (64-sample ASIO buffer size/44.1k) using Forte' as a host.  Never a single glitch...
 
The Focusrite units offer ever so slightly better fidelity.
The M-Audio unit offers lower round-trip latency.
 
 

Jim,
 
I believe the driver for the FastTrack Ultra 8R and the regular FastTrack Ultra are the same.
 
Is the newest driver, 6.1.9 IIRC compatible with Windows 7 as well as Windows 8?
 
It is a little unclear on the website.
 
Thanks.
 
 
 

garrigus
..... I would think you'll still be able to add FireWire with a PCIe card even if it doesn't come on the mobo.
 
Scott

Completely agree with Scott, here.
 
Both of my two home-built desktop DAWs have PCIe FW add-on cards - each hosting a different model FW audio interface.  Short of the manufacturers dropping support for either of these devices, I expect to use them for years to come.
 

I think you should go with the 18i20. I think it's a fairly new interface from Focusrite, and it looks good too! Be sure to let us know how it goes after purchase. With USB, I just worry about other peripherals connected to the bus...e.g. a MIDI interface, a keyboard, a mouse, a USB-MIDI keyboard controller, a USB drive, an external USB HDD, a can cooler...you get the point. All things considered, those do take up USB bandwidth which could have the chance to affect your audio stream or cause latency issues.
 
Overall, Focusrite is a good company, IMO. They will actually respond to problems and provide help. Just remember the time difference between the US and the UK!
 
 

MaximumPC magazine said many issues ago that Firewire was dead. I would go with USB. 

daveny5
MaximumPC magazine said many issues ago that Firewire was dead. I would go with USB. 

 
I went with both. Heheh.

When I was first considering a USB audio interface, I had concerns about bandwidth, too.  So I started doing the math.  What I learned, in a nutshell, is that in order to run out of USB bandwidth, you'd have to run like a gazillion simultaneous tracks.  Okay, maybe not a gazillion, but it was more than I could ever dream of using.  The only practical reason to consider Firewire was stability.  But USB has only gotten better, while Firewire has been left behind.  I think Windows 7 has really squashed any lingering USB issues.  So, any fears that USB 2.0 isn't fast enough are unfounded.  That's why it's become the "default" connection for modern audio cards.  It's also why USB 3.0 hasn't been widely adopted.  It simply isn't necessary for audio processing.
 
~ Heather

pbognar
I believe the driver for the FastTrack Ultra 8R and the regular FastTrack Ultra are the same.
 
Is the newest driver, 6.1.9 IIRC compatible with Windows 7 as well as Windows 8?
 
It is a little unclear on the website.

Yes, the latest driver is compatible with Windows 8
 

As you can see in my list I have been a very happy MOTU 24io user for many years. It is a PCI card based and it was a little cramped for synching with just word clock. I bought 2 Roland Studio Captures a couple of months ago and have had no problems what so ever. These things sound great and have very low latency. The only thing that I have had trouble with is having to reset the auto-shutdown when you first turn them on. I did notice when the computer shuts down it resets the unit back to the factory setting on the interfaces. I was informed that the Octa-Captures have the same issue. I won't go into the features here. Search for them on the Roland site. They are a little pricey but well worth it.

I just bought the 18i20 and I'm happy with it so far.
 
My question to you would be where you found it for $400.00? I paid $499.00 but I have a window of 30 days to get the difference back if I find it cheaper.
 
 

Hey Jim,
 
I am now questioning the price I had found.  It was a so called "authorized dealer" and had both units listed on Ebay (new, factory sealed) for $399 so I saved them in my watch list.  Well....this morning both listings are gone. 
 
Some stores do have them listed for $499 with some added free stuff.  Then again...you do have to do your homework on these sellers.  I'm pretty cautious about jumping in and buying from just any sellers without doing some pretty thorough checking.
 
Even at $499 they seem to be a really nice unit....either one actually.