Check out the Steinberg MR816x ($699). It's got Steingerg's name on it but it's basically a Yamaha product. And Yamaha is saying the preamps in this thing are the best they have ever made. I haven't heard it yet...but...check out this thread that's been going on for well over a year at Gearslutz.com
Steinberg CSX mr816
After I ordered mine from Sweetwater, I found out it was on back-order. So I called my sales tech (who was very knowledgable about the product) and asked if there was anything under $1000 that was comparable. I told him I was even willing to pay more if needed. He told me flat out that there was nothing around that price that was of the same sound quality; not only because of the pre's in it but also the high quality d/a conversion.

Well I have to say that for me, I got rid of my Steinberg box when I found the Firestudio Tube for my mobile recording gigs. At the same price as the Steinberg box, you get 16 inputs (12 XLR ins with 2 being combo jacks and 4 1/4" inputs) in one rack space. you can record on all 16 at once.

The 2 XLRs on the front have gain, limiter and gain makeup knobs and are tube driven. Couldn't do my live gigs without it.

Just my opinion of course.:cool:

Thanks for the responses! The 16 input channels and 10 preamps was a real attractive feature to me especially for that price. Also you can daisy chain them so they are very expandable. I'm starting to feel a lot more safe about buying it.

With the 2 super channels on the front that have tube pres, it's a real good deal. Right now they are in a transition with the Windows 7 and Snow Leppard drivers and some are having issues at the moment. What kind of Computer and OS do you have?

I have a dell XPS 410.
Intel Q6600
2 gb 800mhz ram
Windows 7 Ultimate

I can install xp on here as a dual boot system if i really need to. Im not buying it for a few months until i get the money anyway so any driver issues should be resolved by then.

Lukedrummer, post: 344713 wrote: I have a dell XPS 410.
Intel Q6600
2 gb 800mhz ram
Windows 7 Ultimate

I can install xp on here as a dual boot system if i really need to. Im not buying it for a few months until i get the money anyway so any driver issues should be resolved by then.

Well, I must say that the Firestudio Tube is surely the best for the price. I found it's pres to be even a bit better than the Steinberg's rack unit, especially having the 2 super channels with the tubes. They're great for my bass and perfect with a good ribbon mic. Also, having 8 XLRs on the back for all my drum mics is very nice:smile:

Being able to mic my whole set and record separate channels is one of the main reasons I am getting a multitrack interface. I will most likely end up using samples on a lot of the drums, they really help. Also nice to hear good things about the pres. If i ever need a really good pre i could just plug it in the direct in's anyway.