Focusrite Announces Scarlett 18i8 & 6i6 Audio Interfaces

Focusrite-Scarlett-18i8Today Focusrite announced two new members of its Scarlett range of USB 2.0 audio interfaces: the Scarlett 18i8 (18 in, 8 out, pictured, right) and Scarlett 6i6 (6 in, 6 out).

Both audio interfaces are geared toward recording artists, producers and bands; they differ primarily in their I/O configuration. Both feature Focusrite mic pres, and Focusrite’s 24bit/96KHz conversion for ‘maximum transparency’. In addition to Mac or Windows operation, both interfaces are compatible with iOS devices (via an Apple iPad camera connection kit).

The Scarlett 18i8 is the first Focusrite interface to include four mic preamps, and can also record up to four line inputs at the same time for recording an entire band live. An ADAT option allows the connection of external mic preamps and also includes S/PDIF I/O.

Focusrite-Scarlett-6i6The Scarlett 6i6 (pictured, right) is designed to allow recording “on a smaller scale.” In addition to two Focusrite mic preamps the 6i6 features a stereo line input, to capture, for example, vocals, guitar and a digital piano at the same time. Both models feature two headphone outputs, each with their own level controls. The headphone outputs on the 6i6 mirror the main and sub-outputs; on the 18i8 the outputs are fully independent, each with level controls.

In addition, Scarlett MixControl provides a DSP mixer with flexible routing capabilities, intuitive one-click presets, and lower than 1.4 ms latency. Scarlett audio interfaces come with Ableton Live Lite, the Scarlett Plug-in Suite, Novation Bass Station soft synth and Loopmasters sample content.

Pricing and Availability:

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the Scarlett 6i6 audio interface is $299.99 ($249.99 street); the Scarlett 18i8 MSRP is $449.99 ($349.99 street). Both models are expected to begin shipping in June.

See the Focusrite site for details.

7 thoughts on “Focusrite Announces Scarlett 18i8 & 6i6 Audio Interfaces

  1. IOS ” compatability ” will not be complete until the i scarlett hardware range can be configured from the IOS device itself ….from an app ported from the computer software that is currently required .
    Please untether these interfaces from the need for a computer Focusrite …fully embrace the IOS mobile paradigm !

    (….and then I’ll buy one ..)

  2. Hi, They talk about 1.4 ms latency. Is that the internal mix latency or is that possible with ASIO drivers in ableton LIVE and USB connection? My PCI card gives me 4 ms. In my mind, its not possible with USB card.
    Tell me im wrong because I need anther audui interface.

    1. If you have a tower, these are not the droids you’re looking for. Count yourself lucky, you have many more options than an ipad or usb-only laptop. PCI will theoretically give you the best latency, but it depends on the card. A good cost-benefit option these days might be to put a firewire card in there (make sure it’s a texas instruments chipset) and get a good firewire interface. Used motu’s or RME’s are pretty easy to come by.

    2. That so-called 1.4ms should be the number visible on the ASIO control panel. For round trip latency 1.4ms is simply impossible on USB devices.

  3. Hello, i have a scarlett 2i4 and personally i’m getting tired of all the versions and the sound ain’t nothing special either. I have to agree from the many budget-cards the main-out gives the best quality
    , but they all have too little power to open my monitors fully,without using my mackie onyx mixer between them or set the monitors at+2b instad of zero. But the card has one plus-point it won’t deform noticable fully opened. And the dsp is easy to use. It records my synth withoutprobs and nobody can tell a thing about the latency on some-elses computer. Too many variablesif they have a deskop i first ask the brand off the psu,ause most people buy oem’s(90% off the brand
    s) instead of seasonic… Headphonequality is average. I’d rather buy a presonus, it sounds better.

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