What do i need? Firewire mixer or interface?

Hello guys.
Lastly I'm thinking about changing my alesis firewire mixer to something better because converters aren't really great and are noisy compared to m-audio profire 2626.
So my problem is i don't know what would fit me better:
Mackie onyx 1620i or RME Multiface II?
With mackie onyx I would have exactly the same number of inputs and outputs as I have in my alesis and better converters but not as good as in rme multiface.
On the other hand multiface cannot work standalone which is pain in the ass as this year i will go on a university and don't want to take a pc with me.
What would you suggest?

what do you need interface for if you not gonna have computer to plug it into

aw lol, now i see. I will use it when ill be at home

sadzik wrote:On the other hand multiface cannot work standalone which is pain in the ass as this year i will go on a university and don't want to take a pc with me.

since having no computer available defeats the purpose of audio interface I think it's safe to say we eliminated big part of your problem,

with the following...

sadzik wrote:use it at home

with that being said I have not used either interface but I would choose RME over Mackie any day of the year, hope this helps

The Multiface II isn't really even an option if no computer is involved, it has to attach to an RME PCIe card inside a computer. RME UFX will operate standalone but is more expensive than the MultifaceII/PCIe combo.

I have the Multiface II and love it, but those Mackie units are nice for what they offer.

Have you thought about the Mackie Onyx Blackbird it's also rackmounted 8 channels and can be used as a standalone. I have one and I love it use it for everything. Mine's running firewire to my Mac but I've used it as a standalone as well.

After reading many many many reviews and your thoughts - i will go for pc and multiface II because i do not want to invest more in next few years
Thanks guys, thread to close.

sadzik wrote:After reading many many many reviews and your thoughts - i will go for pc and multiface II because i do not want to invest more in next few years
Thanks guys, thread to close.

I hope you enjoy a world where your 128 sample buffer is someone else's 512 sample buffer after you get the Multiface II. (Light VST load keep that thing at 32 samples even )

Yeah RME is that good.