Ok, after pretty much giving up on my current interface - or rather the company who manufacture it that are having a hard time sorting out drivers for Mountain Lion, I've been on the look our for something small and simple to replace it.
Spec-wise, these both are getting great reviews, but I'm not sure which I want as of course I can't test them first. Well, not easily!
So, here's my shortlist:
Roland UA-55
Focusrite 2i4
Both have two analogue inputs, balanced and 48v available. Both have direct monitoring that will be very handy too. The Roland has digital ins and outs too that I could make use of in the future maybe, though less important. I thought I needed extra line-ins, but to be honest I've never used the ones on my current interface. The Focusrite I think comes with a suite of plugins n' stuff whereas the Roland has the ability to record at higher rates.
Prices can be about the same but I don't know which I'm leaning toward most. Some say the Focusrite has a particular sound to it that actually works well for recording Bass. The Roland on the other hand is said to be flat sounding having less of a character. Kinda concerned that the Focusrite character might not be my bag and I'd be stuck with it. At least I can add to the Roland if I wanted to.
So there's a few thoughts out loud - I welcome your responses!
p.s. Mike 'Urb' Flynn has been very helpful and offered up some wallet-melting options. I would LOVE the RME Babyface that he has just gotten or even the Motu he is selling, but my budget has just shrunk substantially - those on FB will know why!