I have several sound cards, what we call audio interfaces (usb), but they are all mediocre and I was looking to get a better one, so I was looking at audix, universal audio, ssl, etc. in the range of 200-300€, all of them being 2-channel interfaces, until I came across this one. For about the same price of 240€, you get a card that has 8 (yes, you read that right) inputs and it's not a throwaway product. So, I preferred to get something that is not from a top high-end brand but from the excellent value for money brand, m audio, and it gives me the ability to record drums (4 microphones) or even a full band with 4 microphones, 2 instrument inputs, and a stereo input for keyboards. It has 2 stereo outputs, although I haven't figured out exactly how that helps, 2 headphone outputs, very useful for sharing sound with others who are recording together. The headphone output is particularly powerful, and there's a magic knob that allows you to mix what you want to hear between the direct sound of your instrument and the sound coming from the recording software. The latency is the smallest I have ever seen in a sound card. The main volume knob that controls the speaker output is worth every penny, it gives a premium feel. Overall, though, you have this feeling that the entire card is incredibly well-built. The gain controls are solid and precise, and the input lights are accurate. The recording quality is excellent, but I will come back to that since I haven't recorded microphones yet, only line inputs. Overall, you have a bulky, heavy (which helps with handling), beautiful, well-built tool on your desk that does a superb job, quickly and with great quality. My only complaint is that the manual only had instructions for setting up the ableton lite software, which they give for free along with other programs if you register on the m audio website, and for pro tools, which is very expensive and not used by many people. There were no instructions for setting up cubase, let alone older versions that I use. I really struggled to activate all 8 channels because it only recognized the 2. These things should be available in their support section on their website. Also, while they advertise that they provide pro tools lite, when you go to their website, it's not available anymore because their partnership ended, and they give you their own beats software instead, which is fully functional as a DAW but is not very good, as it only gives you 2 audio inputs and then only MIDI, and it's only for electronic music. However, they have other useful programs on their website once you register, and it's good to download them, they are valuable. Overall, it's an amazing package, machine, whatever you want to call it, it's worth it. Go for it!