It’s no secret that I’m a fan of the Scarlett preamps in these interfaces. I will say that the naming is getting a little confusing and hard to keep up with. Either way bigger numbers usually mean more channels so let’s see what these two have. Looks like the 18i8 has 4 preamps but can expand to 18ins and 8outs, hence the name I guess… I’m an idiot. I think you can only track 4 inputs at a time though but it gives you room to throw an interface with an ADAT optical in the mix and keep preamps on hand. Likewise the 6i6 has 2 Scarlett preamps, 6 outputs, as well as expandability to 6 inputs. Both look very promising and have 2 headphone outs on the front with separate level control.
The Scarlett 18i8 is the first interface from Focusrite to include four award-winning mic preamps. It can also record up to four line inputs at the same time, making it perfect for recording an entire band live. An ADAT option allows the connection of external mic preamps such as the OctoPre Mk II, extending the number of mic pres to 12. The unit also includes S/PDIF I/O.
The Scarlett 6i6 is designed to allow recording on a smaller scale. In addition to two Focusrite mic preamps it features a stereo line input, making it possible to capture, for example, vocals, guitar and a digital piano at the same time. Both models feature the signature Scarlett range unibody metal chassis for road-ruggedness, and the unique ‘signal halo’ LED rings around the input controls that indicate green for a good level and red for overload. They also include two headphone outputs each with their own level controls; the headphone outputs on the 6i6 mirror the main and sub-outputs whereas on the 18i8 they are fully independent.
Scarlett 18i8:
Four award-winning Focusrite mic pres
The best sounding interface in its class. Focusrite’s 25-years of design experience underpins this new interface with four award-winning preamps
18 inputs and 8 outputs
All of the analogue and digital inputs you need for home multi-track recording. No need for breakout cables – every analogue input & output has a dedicated socket
Two independent headphone outputs each with a level control
With two fully independent headphone mixes the engineer and the artist can both listen to mix levels they need
Scarlett 6i6:
Two award-winning Focusrite mic pres
The best sounding interface in its class. The two award-winning mic preamps are products of Focusrite’s meticulous approach to preamp design
6 inputs and 6 outputs
All of the analogue and digital inputs you need for home multi-track recording. No need for breakout cables – every analogue input & output has a dedicated socket
Two headphone outputs with level controls
With two headphone mixes the engineer and the artist can both listen to mix levels they need
Scarlett 18i8 and 6i6 both have:
High quality 24bit 96KHz audio interfaces for Mac, PC and iPad
Both feature professional conversion technology guaranteeing pristine audio quality and reliable synchronization on Mac, PC and iPad (or any iOS device)
Rugged metal unibody chassis
Whether you are in the studio or on the road your Scarlett will not only look great, but also withstand the impacts sustained by a mobile recording rig
Unique gain halos for safeguarding your levels
Unique gain halo indicators make it clear when you have a good signal for recording. When the halos are green you have a good level, and when they turn red it means you need to turn the gain down
Large main monitor control
A large main monitor control knob keeps your volume levels right at your fingertips
Scarlett MixControl ultra-low-latency DSP mixer and router
Scarlett MixControl provides a DSP mixer with flexible routing capabilities, intuitive one-click presets, and lower than 1.4 ms latency
Powerful software bundle
Scarlett comes with Ableton Live Lite, the Scarlett Plug-in Suite, Novation Bass Station soft synth and Loopmasters sample content
Availability: Worldwide from June 2013
Pricing Information:
Scarlett 6i6 MSRP $299.99 / $249.99 at dealers
Scarlett 18i8 MSRP $449.99 / $349.99 at dealers
For more info, stay tuned HERE.
