MORE SCARLETT FROM FOCUSRITE
By Graeme Hague
24 May 2013
Focusrite has brought out two more of its Scarlett USB interface range, filling another couple of gaps in the I/O choice. The Scarlett 18i8 is 18 input and 8 separate outs, while the Scarlett 6i6 has 6 inputs and 6 outputs. By now, with so many different Scarlett interfaces to choose from that all sport the same Focusrite preamplifier, it’s just a matter of picking the I/O that best suits you. Included software varies slightly too –in the 18i8 package is the Scarlett MixControl low-latency DSP-based software mixer and router, with one-click presets and a latency of under 1.4 ms. You’ll also find the Scarlett plug-in suite for VST, AU and RTAS, offering EQ, gate, compression and reverb, plus Ableton Live Lite, the Novation Bass Station soft synth and a Loopmasters sample pack. Read that again and stop after “Lite” and that’s what you get with the 6i6. Worth noting, too, is that the 18i8 has two headphone outs with separate controls – always handy. By the way, Scarlett interfaces that require an external power supply work with an iPad, if you use an Apple Camera Connection kit, and there’s evidence that those models that are buss-driven will also work with an iOS device if you use a powered USB hub, but don’t take our word for that. The best idea is to compare the whole Scarlett range at www.focusrite.com
AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTOR: Electric Factory (ELFA) www.elfa.com.au
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