We’ll also be looking at the entry-level Solo as part of a new studio bundle, which comes with headphones and a microphone in a future mini review.Īll the models in this new generation boast the Focusrite Air feature that I last saw in the Clarett USB range last year. That’s a lot of new interfaces, but in this review we’ll be focusing on three models to cover the range: the entry-level Solo, the mid-range 8i6 and high-end 18i20. As you might expect, the range then steps up with more ins and outs, so you get the Scarlett 2i2 (two in, two out) the 4i4 (four in, four out and which replaces the old 2i4, adding two fixed-line inputs) the 8i6 (one of the units on test here, which replaces the old 6i6 but adds two line inputs) the 18i8 (18 ins, including eight ADAT ins and eight analogue outs) and 18i20 (18 ins and 20 outs, including ADAT I/O). The smallest is the Solo, one of the direct second-generation upgrades. There are six interfaces in the third generation of Scarletts, some direct replacements to models in the second generation, others replacements but with additional features like extra line-ins. With that cleared up, let’s get onto the new range. Finally, there are the Reds, a pro-end range of interfaces with masses of digital and analogue I/O with Dante, DigiLink connectivity and even better preamps. You might then be asking what the differences are between Scarlett USB and Clarett USB and this comes down to better mic pres and other audio specs on the Clarett range – more on these later.
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I say ‘would’, because Focusrite now has the Clarett USB range for super-low USB latency. It would seem, then, that the differences between Scarlett and Clarett would simply be down to Scarlett’s USB v the faster Clarett Thunderbolt interfacing standard. Clarett is Focusrite’s range of interfaces for Thunderbolt. The iTrack range is the lightning-cable-equipped range of interfaces specifically tailored for mobile iOS recording, featuring such models as the iTrack Dock and fabulous cuboid iTrack One Pre. When combined with a computer/laptop, a set of studio monitors and the relevant instruments for recording, this bundle is perfect for musicians across all skill levels recording at home or on the road.The Scarlett range is the main USB entry point to Focusrite interfacing, boasting models for everyone from the beginner onwards. Thomann did a great job delivering the package to my apartment on time. All of these components produce pristine quality, which in my opinion for the cost makes this package very competitive. The condenser microphone is of a perfect weight and size for a home studio setup, and the headphones are quite comfortable to wear. The audio interface is compact and well designed with several nice features, such as the glowing halo rings around the input gain knobs.
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![focusrite scarlett 2i2 3rd focusrite scarlett 2i2 3rd](https://focusrite.com/sites/focusrite/files/styles/optimised/public/yourmusicwriteaway-desk-1086-780.png)
All of the components included are of a high calibre when comparing to other recording equipment I have bought separately in the past. This package has been perfect for all of my needs in recording vocals, guitars and keyboards. I bought the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio 3rd Gen package last year after wanting to return to music production at home for some time.