Hi guys!

I finally have some money to splurge and want to upgrade to a new audio interface. Currently I have an UR22 which is very stable but has some smaller problems. My budget tops out roughly around $600 but I'm also wondering if it is worth the extra bucks to get a higher tier interface if a cheaper on ticks all of my boxes.
Will be working ITB (Windows 10) the majority of the time and once in I while I'll record some vocals/guitars. Pre quality is not that important to me. I have a semi treated home studio and I won't be travelling with the interface.

I've broken down the most important factors for me to sort of filter out which interfaces are relevant, but I'm still left with a large amount to choose from and need some feedback. Anyways, here the wishlist.
Must have's:
- Reliable and stable drivers
- Minimum 4 outputs. Currently only have one set of speakers but want to add another pair in the future
- Minimum of two mic/line inputs but preferably four
- Two headphone outputs with separate volume knobs
- Midi in/out
- Preferably USB as I don't have any thunderbolt connections currently (although it might be possible to add)
- Lower latency is always a positive
- Decent quality AD/DA

Nice to have's:
- Good design/touch & feel
- Longevity and long term support
- Button for easy switching between speaker output
- Good headphone amp, want a pair of HD 600s and would like to skip buying separate headphone amp
- Good gain meters
- More than 4 outputs

I've narrowed it down to a bunch of alternatives that fill most of my criteria and I've split them up in three price categories. If you own or have owned one of them, please share your thoughts and experiences.
I've skipped the RME Babyface even though it is the king of quality/stability because of 1. price 2. only two outputs 3. everything is hidden (knobs, i/o etc.)

Budget ($200-300):
Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 MK2
Arturia MiniFuse 4 Black
Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 3rd Gen

Midrange($300-500):
Tascam Series 208i
Presonus Studio 1824c
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen
Universal Audio Volt 476P

High Range($600-700):
MOTU M6
Focusrite Clarett+ 4Pre
Audient iD44 MKII
Arturia AudioFuse Rev2 (Probably overkill)


I really don't know enough about motu, presonus, tascam and arturias interface to make any judgments about them. Would greatly appreciate peoples experience on these in particular. What do you guys recommend? Should I reconsider about the Babyface? Is it really worth the extra bucks for a higher tier interface even when a lower tier covers most of my requirements?

I am happy with the Focusrite Clarett 2 Pre USB. This one has 4 line outputs, 1 headhone output, 2 mic/line inputs, meets your requirements. Converters and preamps are top notch quality wise. I'd get a 2 Pre and not spend too much money. Can even safe more by getting a used one.

Babyfaces are short in supply, maybe you can get a used one. However, I don't think there is much difference to the Clarett+ converters and preamps quality wise but I am not keen on arguing with someone here. You'd be able to produce hits with both of them, no worries.

Thank you for your input jorgzen. I certainly agree that hits can be made on most interfaces these days!
I'm leaning towards the Focusrite Clarett+ 4Pre then (mainly for the benefit of having 4 outs and 2 headphone jacks with individual knobs).

From what I've read it seems to me that Audients drivers can be a bit unstable, same with Motu on windows. That kind of leaves me with Clarett+.

I've been reading up on the AudioFuse Rev2. They are in the same price range in my area ($650 vs $600) so I'd thought it was worth looking in to.

It seems pretty great for the most part with the added bonus of better monitoring options and some sweet Arturia plugins. However, I did find some people reporting that it runs very hot which could be problematic. Also some people in their own forum seem to report driver issues and various problems with inputs not working properly.

In contrast, I have hardly found anybody complaining or having serious issues with the Clarett+. I think this settles it and I'm going to pull the trigger on the Clarett+ 4pre.

Just fresh from today

Solid State Logic SSL 12 Audio Interface

Computer Connectivity: USB 3.0
Simultaneous I/O: 12 x 8
Mic Preamps: 4
Phantom Power: Yes
AD / DA Resolution: 32-bit/192 kHz
Analogue Inputs: 4 x XLR-¼" combo (Mic/Line), 2 x ¼" (Hi-Z)
Analogue Outputs: 4 x ¼" (Line outs)
Headphones Outputs: 2 x ¼"
Digital Inputs: 1 x Optical (ADAT)
MIDI I/O: Yes
USB: 1 x Type USB-C

$459.99

Just when I think I'm out, I get pulled back in...Time too find some reviews about this one. Hoping Julian Krause has a video about this one.
Thanks for the shoutout!