MOTU 2408mkII by Insain
This is a expandable, PCI-connected interface that works great (at least for me) in live situations and does everything I need it to do. The MOTU connects via a PCI-424 card (Same as the MK3) which can be hooked up to another three Motu 2408 MKII's to allow 72 channels of I/O simultaneous audio (The 2408 MKIII and HD192 use the same PCI Card).
The Motu MkII itself has three light pipe audio ports, allowing 24 I/O channels of ADAT or 24 I/O channels of Tascam TDIF digital. It also has a stereo S/PDIF I/O with an extra S/PDIF out. All of the main outs on the Motu are quarter-inch balanced; and each input/output on the Motu has a +4db "line level" or -10db 'switch' controlled by an internal plastic jumper. There is a I/O Word clock connection.
The 2408 MKII supports 16-bit and 24-bit recording at 44.1 or 48 kHz. The recording quality, in my opinion, is great; as I do not hear any coloring done by the Motu. The drivers for the PCI card work great on XP, I cannot speak for Win7-Vista-OS. The prices on the Motu are wild, I picked up mine for 150$ but there are some selling for 300$.
It fits its purpose in Austin TX, where I record only live audio. It has been through hell and back in a case and still works like a charm. The only problem I have with it is the fire wire cable between the PCI card and the Motu itself has the connector to the Motu looking a little flimsy, like it could fall out. It has never happened to me before, but it always makes me a little nervous.