If you need to expand beyond the built-in I/O, two pairs of optical TOSLINK connectors allow you to add up to eight channels of additional inputs and outputs of ADAT digital audio. Eight are line outputs, and the other two are a stereo pair for monitors.
On the output side, you get 10 ¼-inch TRS outputs. You can also see a more detailed view of levels from inside the Focusrite Control software. The top step glows red when clipping occurs. You can switch phantom power on in blocks of four channels: 1-4 and 5-8.Ī front-panel matrix of 5-step LED meters provides an easy-to-see visual representation of input levels. Channels 1 and 2 have INST switches to configure them to accept high-impedance signals. They don’t offer highpass filters, however. Six more on the back can handle mic or line signals.Īll eight input channels have corresponding input gain knobs on the front, as well as individual -10dB Pad switches. You can use the two front-panel inputs for mic, line or instrument connections. Without question, one of the strengths of this unit is its analog inputs and outputs. Registering your interface also gives you membership in the Focusrite Plug-in Collective, which periodically offers significant discounts on music software.
FOCUSRITE MIDI MONITOR PRO
The Quick Start Tool also gives you access to your downloads and license info for the included third-party software, which consists of Avid Pro Tools First, Ableton Live Lite, the Focusrite Red 2 & 3 Plug-in Suite, Softube’s Time and Tone Bundle and XLN Audio Addictive Keys.
FOCUSRITE MIDI MONITOR SOFTWARE
Some of the functionality is redundant to the hardware switches and knobs, but you can access many essential features (particularly in the area of setting up monitor mixes) only through the software (much more on that later).
FOCUSRITE MIDI MONITOR SERIES
There, you’re urged to register your hardware and are offered instructional videos based on your answers to a series of questions.ĭuring the Quick Start process you’re also directed to download the Focusrite Control software. During the Quick Start process, the interface functions as a mass storage device.Ĭlicking the icon activates the Quick Start Tool (the process is a bit simpler on the Mac than on the PC), which brings you to the Focusrite website. When you connect the unit to your computer through the USB port, you’ll see a Scarlett icon appear on your desktop. AIR emulates the transformer-based sound of the company’s vaunted ISA mic preamps.Īll of the Scarlett third-generation interfaces are tabletop units, including the 18i20 it’s also the only one that can be rackmounted thanks to a pair of included rack ears.įocusrite made it easier to get up and running on your Scarlett with the inclusion of the software Quick Start Tool (for Mac and Windows). It also added optional AIR functionality to each input channel.
This review focuses on the flagship of the line, the 18i20, which includes a generous assortment of onboard I/O and expansion capabilities.įocusrite redesigned the preamps and electronics in the third generation of Scarlett interfaces, resulting in improved dynamic range and reduced noise and distortion specs. The third generation of the Focusrite Scarlett series of USB 2.0 interfaces has arrived and it offers quality sonics and features for a surprisingly low price.
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