^^
X-FI would be your best choice, with a small analog mixer.
Newegg.com - AuzenTech Auzen X-Fi Prelude 7.1 7.1 Channels 24-bit 192KHz PCI Interface Sound Card - Sound Cards
Buy Tapco Blend 6 Compact Mixer online at Musician's Friend
And i can say that the lastest drivers are extremely stable.
Or you can get this:
Buy Mackie Onyx Satellite Recording Interface online at Musician's Friend
Doesnt have balanced xlr outs, but it does have balanced 1/4" outs.
This one is very nice too:
Buy TC Electronic Desktop Konnekt 6 FireWire Audio Interface
Does that Auzentech genuinely sound better than soundcards like the EMU -1616 ?