At work we are investigating Dante / AVB / Ravenna network based solutions for our professional use. right now these are quite expensive, but I reckon price will drop soon on these Ethernet based solutions, specially two channel modules as audinate just came out with a new 2in/2out chipset that will allow cheaper solutions
. two additional points to check for beside true synchronous I/O operation mic pre with good functionality (nice gain range, 48V phantom, bus or battery powered if possible) and a stable driver, preferably ASIO in the PC world.
I think USB can be a good choice if well implemented. we have successfully used presonus, focusrite and other specialized units like the dutch duran audio, rme is a traditional place to look for high quality interfaces and I am sure there are some more.
right now we a re considering a multichannel frontend from dspecialists, a german company specifically tuned for easera / systune.
- cheers,
michael