Latency, latency, latency
I've been buying and selling a few of these. I have a ZOOM R-16 ($399)which has an audio interface (I just started using the audio interface on it) that I have been using to record with, then import the tracks into Reaper($69). After many conversations with my guitar guru I decided to try computer DAW recording again. I bought the PRESONUS VSL 44. It recorded a few tracks beautifully, though it did takes a few days to get all the settings with Windows 8 to work properly. After the initial recordings I started having the latency, sound dragging, problems. Tried different buffer settings and all the other things suggested by forums, Sweetwater and PRESONUS.
Thought I'd give it a try on my MacBook Pro. Everything installed perfectly (in minutes). But I still had problems. I started looking at the audio interface on the Zoom R-16 and decided to try it. THE INSTALLATION, UPDATED DRIVERS, THE ORDER OF INSTALL, PLUG IN, TURN ON is all crucial to these working properly. I also found out that ALL EXTERNAL OPERATIONS, WIFI, VIRUS PROTECTION, ETC needed to be disabled and the interface needs to be plugged into the same USB port as installation.
I decided this was too much trouble for me especially since I could just hit record on my ZOOM and take out the SD card and import to the PC. I've hauled this to record performances, band practice, and myself. Love ZOOM. I've had several of their products over the years and I'm never disappointed.
I then tried the audio interface on the Zoom. It records to DAW flawlessly, no issues. The sound is not as clean, bright as the PRESONUS, but I tend to like the warmer sound of my vocals that Zoom products have AND NO LATENCY ISSUES.
I then purchased Tascam US-1200, thought I'd give it a try for $99. It setup easier then the PRESONUS but after a few tracks I was having the latency issues at second edits on just a few tracks.
I've been encouraged to wait it out and go with a higher end product ($800 seems to be the point) RME or MOTU. I've also been told that the FireWire is preferable to USB and Thunder Bolt deminishes latency all together.
RESIDENT AUDIO has a new Thunderbolt interface T4 and it lists for $499. This was recommended to me by Sweetwater though I haven't seen many user reviews on it.