Any suggestions of a FW or USB interface that can also operate as a standalone mixer without a computer?
The MOTU Ultralite MkIII hybrid seems to do this, but some reviews seem to indicate it might be a bit noisy.
Looking for something compact (e.g. rack form or similar) with 8+ line inputs and 4+ outputs and 2+ FX loops that can be used both for small studio use (sending multiple tracks to the DAW) with a computer/DAW - but more often without a computer as a line mixer.
Metric Halo 2882 +DSP works well. You do need a computer but it saves ‘boot states’ so it can act as a stand alone mixer
I thought that the Echo Audiofire series saved the settings to the firmware. But it looks like the models I was thinking of (4, 8pre) are not being produced anymore.
The Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 should work fine.
I’ve had a couple of MOTU’s and can’t say that i’ve noticed any noise issues with them.
Im currently using an Audio Express. Which is kinda like a further stripped down Ultralight.
That said, i’ve not had a need to try it as a standalone mixer yet. But then this particular model has little IO to mix anyway.
That was also on my list: but does it work when disconnected from a computer?
I use a MOTU Ultralite Mk III as a standalone mixer and have no noise issues whatsoever, it’s super clean. The CueMix interface in the box is actually pretty easy to use once you’re used to it, though setting up via the software is much quicker.
Yeah, you can save your settings to the hardware on the Saffire and use it in standalone mode. I don’t usually even touch the computer until it is time to record.
Used the Saffire 14 stand alone a lot also you can make routing and save it. Now I’ve a Scarlett but never tried/needed but can take a look when at home.
That’s good info about the saffire thanks.
My alternative is a lower budget combo of my existing 2 channel interface plus acquiring a samson SM10. But would be nice to have everything in a single box and the option to multitrack record occasionally to tweak it in a DAW.
Looks like down to the saffire or the unltralite.
i really like the audiofire 12. they’re pretty cheap used. though, i did have an issue with mine where it didn’t power on and i had to get something replaced for about $40 from echo. i’m about to buy another one and pair them up for 24ins/24outs.
Don’t skimp on your interface/routing. I’ve done it a few times, and spent way more money than I should have as a result.
Eventually, you’re going to want to multitrack things, or need more inputs, and you will be back to buying more gear to try to compensate for the weaker purchase you made before. If you can afford a more flexible I/O option now like the Pro 40, do it.
i also use the saffire pro 40 as a standalone…i have routed everything to use as an adat interface with my apollo quad…works great…no pc connection required afterwards, every setting is saved in the device.
skimping in the past means my next purchase will be my 7th interface purchase 
albeit over a 15 year period! dedicated interfaces so far, that I can remember …
yamaha uw10, m-audio quattro, echo indigo, echo indigo io, presonus firebox, focusrite 2i2 …
After reading up on all the suggestions I’ve settled on delaying getting anything immediately until I have my set-up pushed to the limit, and can then better justify the big outlay on a proper multichannel unit, either a motu 828 mkiii or a fireface ucx seem to have everything I need.
TC Electronic Studio Konnekt 48 works stand-alone, sounds great and has plenty of I/O (12 channels of analog in).
RME Fireface UC is a fully functional digital mixer without a computer anywhere near it.
But it’s expensive…but probably worth it. Been close to getting one on many occasions.
I like my Roland Octacapture. 8in/out, and you can have a different mix on each output pair. flexible and easy to setup. has a nice feature where it will set input gains automatically for you while your sources are playing. not used Focusrite or anything else though to compare it to.
no issues here with the ultralite mk i fwiw - the bonus of getting something like the motu is that it (and a few others) have dc-coupled outlets so you can send CV out - from memory i was getting just north of +/-4v on 6 channels, gave me quite a few extra lfos and whatnot for my CV gear 
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no issues here with the ultralite mk i fwiw - the bonus of getting something like the motu is that it (and a few others) have dc-coupled outlets so you can send CV out - from memory i was getting just north of +/-4v on 6 channels, gave me quite a few extra lfos and whatnot for my CV gear 
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I’ve had a Ultralite MKI lying around unused for a while now. Great form factor for a little mixer. I wonder how it works standalone…is it a all analog signal path? Or is the signal processed through the A/D - D/A converters?
i think it’s dsp, but effectively zero latency, not sure, but no issue anyway ! the later ones added fx, so prob converted in mk1