Thanks for the replies, as far as the Steinberg goes, on the MR816 thread, about page 3 is where users start talking about the only way to bypass the pres in the MR is to use the 2 unbalanced lines on the first 2 channels, heres a link:
Steinberg CSX mr816
As far as inputs, I record local rap and r&b artists, so no need to expand on that, just need 2 solid channels for recording vocals and possibly intruments in stereo, but the Avalon is on the top of my list for an external pre and the fact that it only has XLR out could be the dealbreaker in what interface I use.
I actually was considering a Saffire 56 because of it's liquid pres and some reviews I've read on how good the liquid emulations sound, but from all the reseach I've done, looks like the MR816X and the FF 400 are the top two contenders due to conversion, I was leaning toward the MR until I found out you're pretty much stuck with the pres even if they are good, the option of adding your own pres is pretty important I think! Anyway, thanks for the feedback, any other opinions are very much welcome!
