Touted by the British manufacturer as "the world's best-selling range of audio interfaces," which shouldn't be very far from the truth, the different Scarlett models are certainly some of the most affordable, universally compatible designs in the market. All other manufacturers have opted to focus on very specific applications, target higher-quality specifications, and don't have such a large variety of generic audio interfaces such as Focusrite. And they certainly don't have the legendary reputation of its "Red" series of studio channels and preamplifiers.
Scarlett's fourth generation introduced several major advances that build on Focusrite's legacy in professional audio: best-in-class audio specifications, enhanced creative capability, powerful workflow tools, and more. The three new interfaces add more analog inputs and outputs, front-panel monitor switching and mute control, S/PDIF and ADAT connectivity, additional headphone outputs, and a built-in talkback mic on the Scarlett 18i20.
The new Focusrite Scarlett 4th Gen 16i16, 18i16, and 18i20 interfaces all feature 122dB dynamic range, using the flagship RedNet range converters, and all-new, remote-controlled preamps with 69dB of gain. Another key selling point is the Focusrite Control 2 software for desktop and mobile app, enabling full wireless control over inputs, routing, and monitoring mixes, allowing users to adjust settings without being tethered by cables. In addition to the desktop application, the iOS and Android Focusrite Control 2 apps enable engineers and performers to adjust monitor mixes and mic preamp gains while away from the computer.
According to Focusrite, the new interfaces have a re-engineered Air mode with Presence, and all-new Harmonic Drive, adding rich harmonics to recordings by emulating the characteristics of vintage preamps. New Auto Gain and Clip Safe modes can handle up to eight microphones at a time, making session setup simple, and ensuring every take is a keeper. Clip Safe monitors recording levels and automatically adjusts the gain to prevent clipping. There is also a brand-new custom-designed headphone amp, which Focusrite says is "the best playback ever heard from Scarlett."
Professional studio features in the range include A/B speaker switching, built-in talkback mic on the 18i20 rackmount model, MIDI in/out plus S/PDIF, and ADAT in/out. Every interface also comes bundled with trials for Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools Artist, and FL Studio Producer Edition, plus Antares Auto Tune, Marshall Amp Modeling, synths, keys, drums, EQ, compression, reverb, and more plugin instruments and effects.
The new Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen is a rack-mountable USB-C audio interface featuring 18 inputs, including eight advanced 4th generation Scarlett preamps, and 20 outputs. The 18i20, not only has an impressive amount of analog and digital I/O, but features additional workflow enhancements that make it a perfect fit for even the most complex project studios: a built-in talkback mic; A/B speaker switching for instant referencing on different monitors; and eight channels of LED bar metering, assignable to inputs or outputs as well as master output metering.
The desktop Scarlett 18i16 is a USB audio interface with 18 inputs, including four 4th Gen Scarlett preamps, and 16 outputs. Ideal for multitrack recording, designed for producers. It makes an ideal hub to integrate hardware with a DAW, providing enough analog and digital I/O to connect a huge number of external instruments, processors, and effects. The more compact Scarlett 16i16 shares the same feature set as 18i16 with 16 inputs, including two 4th Gen Scarlett preamps, and 16 outputs.
To help users get up and running with Scarlett in record time, Focusrite has developed an Easy Start tool that quickly guides users from initial connection to their first recordings. Prices in USD (ex. tax) go from $649.99 for the rackmount Scarlett 18i20, to $499.99 for the Scarlett 18i16, and $369.99 for the smaller Scarlett 16i16. All will be available from mid-October 2024.
www,focusrite.com/scarlett
