Best
Affordable Focusrite Scarlett
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Overall: Incredibly High-Quality Audio Interface For Home And Professional Studios
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Best Feature: Featuring The Best Yet Scarlett Preamps - Now With Air Mode
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TedScore™: 7/10
Best
Focusrite
Scarlett
for Beginners
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Overall: Two XLR/Line Inputs And Two Additional Line Inputs
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Best Feature: Boasts Two Additional Fixed-Line Inputs For Sending Audio To FX Pedals Or For Setting
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Focusrite
Scarlett
for
Professional
-
Overall:
Eight-Mic Preamps With Switchable Air Mode -
Best Feature:
High-Headroom Instrument Inputs -
TedScore™: 7/10
Are you looking to elevate your music studio setup? The Focusrite Scarlett audio interface might be the game-changer you need.
Designed for music makers of all levels, this tool promises exceptional sound quality and seamless connectivity, making it a favorite among artists. With the 4th Generation Scarlett interfaces, Focusrite has crafted studio tools that cater to both beginners and seasoned professionals.
Whether you’re a solo artist or part of a band, these audio interfaces promise to transform your recording experience.
Essential Features of Focusrite Scarlett Interfaces
Focusrite Scarlett interfaces are celebrated for their high-quality sound and versatile connectivity. These interfaces provide robust preamps, a wide dynamic range, and modern connectivity options, making them a top choice for musicians and producers.
Scarlett Range Overview
The Scarlett range offers various models, each designed to meet specific audio needs.
The Scarlett Solo is perfect for solo artists with its single mic and instrument input. Meanwhile, the Scarlett 2i2 offers two simultaneous inputs.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)
PERFECT FOR: Musicians and content creators of all levels
FEATURES: Ultra-low latency with high-quality 24-bit/192kHz audio
OTHER INFO: Includes Ableton Live Lite & Focusrite Hitmaker Expansion
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)
- Focusrite Control compatibility provides maximum flexibility for setting up monitor mixes and routing configurations
- Two virtual inputs enable you to capture a stereo feed with any combination of hardware input and software playback channels
- Improve monitoring features give you better reference over audio
- Optimised audio conversion for the best quality audio every time
- Does not come with any bundled software or plugins
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
For more complex setups, the Scarlett Solo and Scarlett 18i20 provide additional inputs and outputs.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen)
PERFECT FOR: guitarists, vocalists, podcasters, and producers
FEATURES: Incredibly high-quality audio interface for home and professional studios
OTHER INFO: Featuring the best yet Scarlett preamps - now with Air mode
Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen)
- Optimised audio conversion for the best quality audio every time
- XLR input for recording vocals or instruments
- Includes Ableton Live Lite, Splice Sounds subscription and other music software
- One high-headroom instrument input to plug in your guitar or bass
- High-performance converters enable you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Only has one mic input and one instrument input
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen)
PERFECT FOR: professional studios and home recording alike
FEATURES: Eight-mic preamps with switchable Air mode
OTHER INFO: High-headroom instrument inputs
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen)
- Dual headphone outputs with individual-level controls
- Affordable
- Supports Thunderbolt 3
- Variety of input/output options
- Software can be finicky
- Some users report reliability issues
- No onboard DSP processing
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
With features like USB Type-C connectivity for faster data transfer, these interfaces cater to both beginners and professionals. The focus on quality and affordability makes Scarlett a popular choice.
Preamps and Audio Quality
Focusrite is renowned for its high-quality preamps, and the Scarlett series enhances this reputation.
The 4th generation preamps provide ultra-low-noise performance, ensuring clean and accurate recordings. They also have a dynamic range feature to capture every nuance.
The Air mode, a standout feature, emulates the sound of classic transformer-based preamps, adding brightness and clarity. Also, with support for up to 24-bit/192 kHz audio, Scarlett interfaces deliver professional-grade sound quality, suitable for any recording environment.
Connectivity Options
Scarlett interfaces boast a variety of connectivity options, accommodating diverse recording setups.
Models like the Scarlett 18i20 offer ADAT and S/PDIF inputs and outputs for extensive routing flexibility. Several models offer MIDI I/O capabilities, supporting seamless integration with MIDI devices.
Many models are bus-powered, eliminating the need for external power supplies, which enhances portability. The broad line and instrument inputs ensure the interface can handle different audio signal levels.
As a result, users enjoy a plug-and-play experience with minimal setup hassle.
Advanced Functionalities and User Convenience
Exploring the powerful tools and user-friendly features of Focusrite Scarlett interfaces reveals their potential for enhancing recording sessions. The combination of cutting-edge integration with software and enhanced recording functionalities helps create smooth workflows and professional-quality audio.
Software Integration
One of the standout features is the seamless integration with popular software.
The Focusrite Scarlett audio interface is an excellent choice for musicians, especially when paired with the Hitmaker Expansion Software Bundle, which provides a comprehensive suite of tools for recording, mixing, and producing high-quality music.
This combination enhances your creative workflow, making it easier to bring your musical ideas to life. This includes Ableton Live Lite and Pro Tools Artist, which provide robust tools for composing, recording, and editing music.
The Focusrite Control 2 software is another essential tool. With this software, I can manage routing and fine-tune input settings. Its intuitive interface allows me to adapt swiftly to various recording needs.
With the integration of loopback, audio routing becomes incredibly flexible, allowing me to capture system audio alongside input recordings. That feature is handy for podcasting and live streaming, ensuring a flawless audio setup.
Enhanced Recording Features
The Scarlett interfaces come packed with enhanced recording features designed to aid both seasoned pros and newcomers. Auto Gain ensures that my recording levels are optimally set, preventing distortion and preserving audio clarity. This allows me to focus more on the creative process rather than technical concerns.
Clip Safe is an indispensable safety net, providing confidence that my recordings won’t suffer from unexpected peaks. Furthermore, built-in tools like the talkback mic offer direct communication during recording sessions, which is invaluable in multi-room studio setups. With options like the Scarlett 2i2 Studio and Scarlett Solo Studio bundles, I can achieve studio-quality vocals without needing extensive hardware setups, making it accessible for small studios and home setups alike.
Comprehensive Support and Warranty
When it comes to the Focusrite Scarlett series, I’m delighted to share that they offer both comprehensive support and a reassuring warranty. These are designed to keep things running smoothly and give you peace of mind.
Global Support Services
I find the global support team to be imposing. They’re available 24/7, ready to help whenever needed. This round-the-clock service ensures that no matter where I am in the world, assistance is just a call or email away.
Support is not just about availability. Their expert team effectively troubleshoots issues, reducing my downtime.
It’s like having a dedicated tech wizard in my pocket! With their guidance, I’m always sure that my Scarlett is performing at its best.
Final Verdict:
Focusrite Scarlett
In wrapping up my thoughts on the Focusrite Scarlett series, I see that it stands out in the realm of audio interfaces. Each model from the Scarlett range — whether the Scarlett Solo or the more advanced 16i16 4th Gen — brings something valuable to the table.
The series is known for its high-quality preamps and easy usability. As someone exploring music production or podcasting, having a reliable and portable device like the Scarlett is a game-changer.
I’ve appreciated the versatility offered by different Scarlett models. They provide ample connectivity options suitable for various users, from solo artists to professional engineers. This balance of performance and pricing truly makes it a winner in my book.
Exploring the Scarlett lineup has shown me how well-designed these interfaces are. They cater to a wide range of needs while keeping the user’s experience in mind.
In summary, Focusrite has maintained its reputation by continuously delivering products that meet the expectations of both amateurs and pros. If you’re in the market for an audio interface, the Scarlett is a solid choice worth considering.
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If you’re looking to enhance your streaming quality, be sure to check out the Best Audio Interface For Streaming, as it offers expert recommendations and insights to help you choose the perfect audio interface for a professional sound!
