The Scarlett range from Focusrite comprises 6 different units: the Solo, the 2i2, the 4i4, the 8i6, the 18i8, and the 18i20. The Scarlett range has been broken down into these categories to give users a wide variety of options to suit their needs. The Octopre bundle has less stuff than the other ones, but considering the Octopre is sold as an add-on or extension module anyway, Focusrite are probably assuming you’ve already got most of their standard freebies as it is. The Scarlett and Clarett ranges and the Octopre all come with their own respective plugins, suites and freebies. However it still comes with some pretty nifty bits and bobs – and if you’re looking for a way to expand your pre-existing channels via optical or S/PDIF then the chances of you being interested in a lite version of Ableton Live or a demo copy of ProTools are probably pretty slim. The Scarlett range includes: Incl. 2x USB cable (standard USB and USB Type-C) and Hitmaker Expansion Software Bundle (Ableton Live Lite, 3 months Splice Sounds membership and Plug-in Bundle for songwriting, mixing and mastering)

Anti-thump’ circuitry helps to protect your studio monitors and headphones from loud pops and spikes when booting up or shutting down your recording device. The main difference between the Clarett+ and the previous generation of Clarett interfaces is the addition of improved independent A-D/D-A converters. With more low-level detail and accuracy across a wider frequency range, everything sounds clearer and gives a more professional sheen compared to other similarly-priced interfaces.The Clarett 2PRE and the Clarett 4PRE are more or less the same thing, with the main distinct difference being the number of preamps and outputs available on each device. The 8PRE however, takes things up a notch. Needless to say, Focusrite’s Clarett range employed AKM converter chips extensively, and without a consistent supply of converter chips Focusrite can’t build audio interfaces. So the company was effectively forced into redesigning the Clarett product range to use alternative brands of converters — something which is far from a trivial task! Eight inputs, eight outputs; eight Clarett mic pres with two Hi-Z JFET instrument inputs, eight balanced outputs and eight-in, eight-out over ADAT.

means 2 inputs, 2 outputs – and the same terminology applies all the way up to the top of the line 18i20, meaning 18 inputs 20 outputs The inclusion of the all-analogue Air (with impedance switching and relay control) is a great feature, emulating the ISA110 mic preamp from the classic Focusrite Studio Console. This is especially noticeable when recording things like vocals, adding an extra layer of presence and clarity. The unit’s front panel carries physical controls for phantom power (switchable in two groups of channels 1‑4 and 5‑8), preamp channel gains, headphone volumes, and the dedicated monitor section (with its own volume control and dim/mute buttons). Further configuration is via the elegant Focusrite Control app (for PC, Mac and iOS devices), which provides remote access to some relay‑switched preamp settings (line/instrument mode on channels 1‑2, and the Air EQ on all channels), as well as configuring the internal signal routing between the USB channels and the physical inputs and outputs to create monitor mixes, selecting the internal sample rate, and so forth. Bench Tests The THD+N figure for the D‑A measured ‑106.1dB (the published spec is ‑106dB), which is also a very worthwhile improvement over the previous model’s ‑103dB. The headphone outputs have also gained 3dB more dynamic range and 3dB lower THD, too — all of which means lower noise and more pristine low‑level details in reverb tails and room atmospheres.Low distortion, 24-bit/192 kHz converters with up to 124dB dynamic range deliver incredible sound quality. When push comes to shove, the Clarett beats the Scarlett with higher quality mic pres, expandability and audio specs. However, the Scarlett comes at a much cheaper price point. The 18i8 is a notable studio workhorse and with a huge amount of inputs. But with 10 less outputs than its bigger brother, it’s better for smaller studios or as a separate interface in a live room or booth.

The Scarlett Solo and Scarlett 2i2 models are also available in bundles for beginner recording artists, offering sweet little bundles that include everything you need to get started. This includes headphones, a very nice collection of premium plugins, plus a condenser microphone with all the necessary cables and leads. Freebies Eight inputs, ten outputs; eight Clarett mic pres with two Hi-Z JFET instrument inputs, ten balanced outputs and eight-in, eight-out over ADAT. Fitted with two ultra-high impedance JFET instrument inputs, featuring mimic guitar amp inputs and a seriously broad audio bandwidth

Great review, but, didn’t leave me with a clear answer. I bought a Scarlet solo and plugged it into an Audio Technica AT8035 shotgun. I do voiceovers, but, I used the shotgun to record audio for a video presentation I did recording the video portion through Zoom and making an mp4 out of it. I used the shotgun to keep the microphone off-camera. I also tried a Rode videomic plugged into USB on my Dell XPS laptop, but, I wasn’t happy with the USB preamp in the Rode and bought the Scarlet Solo.