Audio interfaces

[Hambeast]

I'm in the market for a new audio interface. I currently have an m-audio FireWire 410 which has been great but it's slowly dying and drivers aren't completely reliable with a modern OS.

I've been eyeing up the MOTU M4 but it seems to be out of stock everywhere so I'm going to need to look for other options. The SSL 2+ looks fairly decent and gets good reviews so it seems like a good contender.

I'm needing 2 inputs. Guitar and mic with phantom power. 1 set of line outputs. At least 1 headphone output but 2 preferred. MIDI in would be a big plus. Budget is around 200 but I'd push 300.

Any recommendations?

[Emphyrio]

The Focusrite Scarlett/Saffire seem to offer best bang for the buck. I've an earlier model of the Saffire, the USB 6. Has all the things you're looking at I think. It's probably been updated since I got mine ages ago but in your price range you should get sorted.

[ochoill]

Funnily if you go cheaper, you can get a behringer interface that has almost everything you're after.  Doesn't have a second headphone out but has four inputs, a variety of outputs, inserts for each channel, midi in and out, phantom power.  I know the preamps are probably not as good as other units, but they're still decent for the price, the same as on the Xair and I've used that for years now with no issues.
https://m.thomann.de/ie/behringer_umc404hd.htm?o=68&search=1630222352

Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 is right between your price range, has better pre's, midi again, two headphone outs - everything you were after.  Have used the 18i8 version myself for the band and at home for 5-6 years now with no trouble at all and always get decent recordings out of it.  Would always recommended these.
https://m.thomann.de/ie/focusrite_scarlett_8i6_3rd_gen.htm?o=5&search=1630225170

[Hambeast]

I've heard very mixed reviews about the entry level focusrite gear. It can be hard to tell if it's just internet people being nitpicky or if they're genuine issues. My friend had one about 10 years ago and we had huge problems with it staying in sync and it eventually died which has put me off them. Might need to look into the newer stuff in more detail

[ochoill]

I've read similar online about them but from my own use I've never had issues.  We even ran a second interface (an old M-Audio one that otherwise only had a firewire out iirc) slaved via the optical in on the 18i8 to double it out to 16 channels and it worked a treat.  Seemingly the 2nd gen ones are fine, I've seen a little of people complaining the quality of the 3rd gen isn't as good but I've a feeling it is nitpicking.

[Necro Red]

The Focusrite Scarlett/Saffire seem to offer best bang for the buck. I've an earlier model of the Saffire, the USB 6. Has all the things you're looking at I think. It's probably been updated since I got mine ages ago but in your price range you should get sorted.

yea, I've had a Focasrite a few years now and it does the trick no bothers. It really is worth investing in. I got mine on a budget too and it is a great piece of gear.

[The Butcher]

I've the Audient ID14, recorded guitars/bass/vocals through it for the last album. DI tracks sounded clean and clear, great dynamics. Excellent jfet DI inputs and powerful headphone amps as well as good converters.  Great interface for the price.