Help me choose an audio interface for Ableton 8.2+Windows 7

[Phil86Umiami]

Hi,

I'm running Ableton Live v8.2.5 on Windows 7, 64 bit. I use an HP laptop with dual core 1.6 GHz and 6 GB of RAM.

Currently use Numark DJIO but gets glitchy with multiple VST synths and has no inputs or MIDI communication.

I want the most reliable sound card that has at least 2 inputs and 4 outputs (2 stereo outs).

My main concerns:

• Reliability
  DAC sound quality
  MIDI in and out for MIDI syncing in my laptop ensemble.
  Preamp sound quality is the tiebreaker.
  Price should be $400 or below.

Top choices:

• PreSonos Audiobox 44VSL (~$299)
  http://www.amazon.com/AUDIOBOX-44VSL-In ... B005XHRX46
  National Instruments Komplete Audio 6 (~$229)
  http://www.uniquesquared.com/native-ins ... dio-6.html
  Focusrite Saffire 6 (~$185)
  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/6 ... _USB_.html
  Roland QuadCapture (~$260)
  http://www.amazon.com/Roland-Quad-Captu ... B004W95SXO
  Wait for the Akai EIE Pro (but who knows what driver issues may arise for early adopters.(~$199??)

Other similar interfaces welcome.

Thanks,

Phil

I apologize in advance if this has been covered, but what I have found in the forum isn't specific to Ableton and Windows.

edit: added roland, provided links and least expensive available price to each interface

[agent314]

Check out Roland's QuadCapture. Nice I/O, and the preamps are supposed to be great

[Phil86Umiami]

Have any of you guys had first hand experience comparing the Focusrite to the NI Kontrol 1 (AKA Komplete Audio 6)? My friend has a K1 and I've had good experience with it regarding ease of setup and reliability. The preamps don't blow me away, but as I said, I'd rather save $100 and invest in a stand alone pre (or borrow one) for a serious vocal recording.

If anyone has first hand experience with any 2 interfaces mentioned in this thread, I would love to hear your input.

Thanks!

[Phil86Umiami]

My main concern is to avoid any hiccups in mix. I know this is primarily due to insufficient buffer size as set on my laptop, but from my experience comparing the Numark DJIO to the NI Kontrol 1, the soundcard can make a HUGE difference.

[Rampus]

Focusrite Saffire 6 USB is a good choice. I have one, and it works great with my pc.

Whatever you do, don't get a firewire-based Saffire Pro. They don't work at all with pc's in my experience. I have a Saffire Pro 40, and it's totally useless with my pc. When used with my mac, it's a completely different story.

[Phil86Umiami]

Focusrite Saffire 6 USB is a good choice. I have one, and it works great with my pc.

Whatever you do, don't get a firewire-based Saffire Pro. They don't work at all with pc's in my experience. I have a Saffire Pro 40, and it's totally useless with my pc. When used with my mac, it's a completely different story.

I bet I read a post from someone is a similar situation. The Saffire seems like a solid choice, especially under $200!

[Phil86Umiami]

Just ordered the Focusrite Saffire 6. Thanks for the help!