Ok I swapped my Alesis io2 Express:
http://www.alesis.com/io2express
for a Focusrite Saffire LE interface:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Focusrite-AM.../dp/B000GJSIXG
I never had any problems with the Alesis, but heard Focusrites preamps are the business.
I know they are both cheap interfaces, but did I do the right thing?