Hey guys,
 
So I recently got a new Windows 8.1 64 bit computer and need a new soundcard for Cakewalk X1.  I am using East West Composers Collection samples and need to know what you guys recommend for the best external soundcard.  My budget is from $150-$300 and your expertise is really appreciated!
 
Thanks for the help.
 
Ryan

I've been very pleased with the Focusrite Scarlett series. I have a 6i6 personally, but you can have a look at their lineup and choose the one with the options that suit you, they all work the same and use the same drivers. In my experience they work real well with Sonar in ASIO mode.

Sycraft
I've been very pleased with the Focusrite Scarlett series. I have a 6i6 personally, but you can have a look at their lineup and choose the one with the options that suit you, they all work the same and use the same drivers. In my experience they work real well with Sonar in ASIO mode.

+1
I've been so happy with Focusrite, that I've been promoting their stuff quite freely in here (the regulars here are probably tired of me doing this.....LOL)......but, they do make excellent products. I have the Scarlett 2i4 which suits my needs very well and got it for slightly under $150. (http://us.focusrite.com/usb-audio-interfaces/scarlett-2i4)
 
As Sycraft has stated, their driver support/customer service is excellent.......I'm also using Win 8.1 Pro x64. 

So you only say you are using a sample library, which sounds like you are going to be using the audio interface mainly for output monitoring. That would mean you only need as many output channels as you intend to record (two for stereo) and you do not need to spend a lot of money trying to get the highest quality A/D, microphone preamps etc. The quality of your recorded sound from softsynths, samplers etc. in the box is unrelated to the audio interface you use. If so, the Focusrite Scarlett series would be fine.
 
Most MIDI controllers now connect by USB so, unless you have a MIDI controller that still connects via the old round plug, you do not need MIDI on your audio interface or as a separate device at all, so stereo output monitoring of in the box created audio would only require the 2i2.
 
If you plan to do audio input from a dozen mics at once, then you need a dozen audio inputs, and you can get out of your price range pretty fast.

why are you stuck with usb?
 
pci card would give you more bang for buck..

Make that PCIe, 
Someone just posted an interesting PCIe interface on the Hardware forum
Looks promising, it also has 2x2 Audio, SPDIF and MIDI ports only $169 us. 
http://forum.cakewalk.com/PCIe-Audio-Interface-m3152593.aspx
 
Trouble with these cards ,however, is you also need a mixer to get pre amps and headphones and monitor levels. I have a 01v digital mixer so SPDIF and MIDI is all I need really. 
I have the scarlett 6i6 and it's a good interface I have never had issues with it. 
I would miss the front panel controls which I use a lot. But that said I could survive with just the mixer like I used too years ago and my Sound Blaster SPDIF set up. 
 
 
 

batsbrew
why are you stuck with usb?
 
pci card would give you more bang for buck..

Portability?

so, what are you plugging the usb into.....?
 
a computer.
 
and what would the pci-e card be plugged inside of?
 

batsbrew
so, what are you plugging the usb into.....?
 
a computer.
 
and what would the pci-e card be plugged inside of?
 

Yes Bat, they're all computers .......what I meant by portability is that you can easily take a USB plugged audio card from your desktop base and also be able to easily use it with your laptop when traveling.    

the OP did not mention using a laptop.........?