I can't imagine needing 8 interface inputs unless you're recording a full band off the floor.  Your choice on # of inputs on your interface should depend on how many inputs you need at the same time.

If you just have a bunch of devices and instruments you need to plug in, but are still recording one track at a time, then a simple 2-channel interface along a mixer with an alt-bus will likely be cheaper and more flexible than a multi-input interface.

Another vote for the Audiobox VSL.  Great performance and audio quality.
Use it as my primary interface along with my ECHO Audiofire 2
I recently did a review of the Audiobox 22VSL.
You can read it here;

http://www.praisetracks.com/tech/permalink/presonus-audiobox-22vsl/

Another vote for the Presonus. I have the 44vsl. It sounds like you need the 1818vsl (I think it's called 1818). I've been pleased with mine.

@Jim... I'm curious on your take of the Focusrite Scarlett series (or any of their products really) vs. the Presonus stuff. Mainly latency, drivers and mic pres but general thoughts would be nice too. I really am digging my Scarlett but it seems a lot of folks here like the Presonus interfaces. I'll probably continue as a Focusrite customer until I can afford a MOTU but I do like to learn as much as I can about these types of things and it seems like Presonus is the most comparable to Focusrite in that price range/quality. Cheers.

I will have to chime in and say a good word for the Saffire 6 as well! Check out what you get for the money, especially with the sale, even if it's too late, it's worth it. Crystal clear pres, Novation Bass Station, a set of plug-ins, over a gig of samples, MIDI in/out,XLR/1/4 inputs, Ableton(just saying), headphone A/B for cuing, monitoring for low(er) latency, and I know I'm forgetting something! Under $200, I love mine! 

gray36


I will have to chime in and say a good word for the Saffire 6 as well! Check out what you get for the money, especially with the sale, even if it's too late, it's worth it. Crystal clear pres, Novation Bass Station, a set of plug-ins, over a gig of samples, MIDI in/out,XLR/1/4 inputs, Ableton(just saying), headphone A/B for cuing, monitoring for low(er) latency, and I know I'm forgetting something! Under $200, I love mine! 

Yes Mark, it's a great little unit for not much outlay and I'm really impressed with mine.

But it only has 2 inputs and the OP stated he needed 4. I think it's also true to say that the Focusrite drivers aren't renowned for ultra low latency - they can't get as low as the Presonus units for example.

Focusrite Scarlett 18i6

Jim Roseberry

I'd like to get at least 4 inputs, preferably 6 or 8. I'm looking at the Tascam US1800, or the US800. Do either one of those work with well with Sonar? Again, I'm new at this so thanks for all the info you can provide. :)

FWIW, I'd avoid Tascam USB audio interfaces.
Very high round-trip latency...

I'd point you to the new Audiobox VSL interfaces from Presonus.
Great features for the price... and low round-trip latency.

+1


Tascam = shiiiiiiiiitttteee!

Hardly anyone mentions the Roland Quad-Capture or Octa-Capture.  There is also a new Duo-Capture announced a couple of days ago.

I have been eyeing a Quad-Capture and I wonder how they compair with the more commonly recommeded units.

Bristol_Jonesey


The Saffire 6 only has 2 inputs.

+1


err yer 2 :) . I own one.. it's nice enough, to use an external midi unit with it and have to use BOTH of the multi jacks inputs for that.


if you want more inputs go for something with more expandability.


m-audio support has been woeful for me, and their drivers pretty much made me get the saffire, they got told what the issue was with their drivers and 3+ months down the line they weren't fixed.

The Roland units are really good!

VS-Preamps are sweet, drivers are made in-house, latency is really low and they just work. If you need four analog ins then the only one fitting the description from Roland is the Octa-Capture. If it's ok with one pair of digital ins the Quad-Capture is the ticket.

Best Regards
Ludvig