Focusrite Announces Scarlett 18i8 & 6i6 – New USB 2.0 Audio Interfaces

May 8th, 2013 by Trenton

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Two new audio interfaces are on the way.

The latest in their Scarlett line, Focusrite has added a pair of ruggedly-built options available to recording artists, producers, and bands with the newly introduced Scarlett 18i8 (18 in, 8 out) and 6i6 (6-in, 6-out). While they differ in I/O, they have plenty in common to get the attention of recordists: Focusrite mic pres which were designed specifically for Focusrite’s computer music interfaces; 24bit/96KHz conversion for maximum transparency; Mac or Windows operation; and compatibility with iOS devices such as the iPad (via an Apple iPad camera connection kit).

Get RED-y for the latest pair of interfaces from the Focusrite Scarlett line: (left tor right) 6i6 and 18i8.

Don’t overlook the tasty software bundle, which includes Ableton Live Lite, the Scarlett Plug-in Suite, Novation Bass Station soft synth and Loopmasters sample content.

Both will be available in June. Scarlett 6i6 should street for $249.99, while the Scarlett 18i8 will be found for $349.99.

Here are more details on Focusrite’s latest offerings, direct from the source:

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.

Key Features

Scarlett 18i8 only:

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 only:

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