I’ve had a Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 2nd gen for years and it just sits there doing its thing. What I like about it…
  • Inputs at the front - no reaching behind every session to swap over the cables - on the version you are looking at, the XLR inputs are on the rear.
  • Mine has 4 inputs on front with the ability to swap to phantom power for condenser mics - my recording mic is always plugged in (but switched off), as is the line input from my guitar amp.
  • I have two headphone monitor outs which means I have my open back headphones on one (for mixing) and closed back headphones on the other (for recording)

My recommendation would be two combo inputs in front I.e. the 4i4.
Andrew