Focusrite Scarlett Review: The World’s Best-Selling Audio Interface

The Focusrite Scarlett series has sold more units than any other audio interface line in history. This remarkable success stems from consistent quality, accessible pricing, and continuous improvement across generations. The fourth generation Scarlett interfaces represent the most refined versions yet, offering improved preamps, better converters, and modern connectivity that serve musicians from bedroom producers to professional studios.

The Complete Scarlett Lineup

The Scarlett range scales from the compact Solo ($119) to the expandable 18i20 ($549), with multiple options addressing different I/O requirements.

The Scarlett Solo provides a single microphone preamp and instrument input for singer-songwriters and solo podcasters. Its compact size and bus power suit mobile recording setups.

The Scarlett 2i2 ($179) remains the most popular model, offering two combination inputs that handle most home recording scenarios. This model represents the sweet spot of capability and affordability.

The Scarlett 4i4 ($249) adds outputs and MIDI I/O for musicians integrating hardware synthesizers and external gear. Four outputs enable flexible monitoring configurations.

The Scarlett 8i6 ($299), 18i8 ($399), and 18i20 ($549) provide increasing input counts for tracking bands and larger sessions. ADAT expansion enables further growth.

Fourth Generation Improvements

The fourth generation Scarlett interfaces bring meaningful improvements over previous versions. The redesigned preamps offer lower noise and greater headroom than third generation models. Subtle refinements throughout the signal path capture sources with increased clarity.

Converter quality has improved across the line, with better dynamic range and lower distortion. These improvements matter most for critical listening and mixing applications where converter quality becomes audible.

The Air mode has been refined for more musical results. The transformer-inspired character adds presence and dimension without the artificial brightness that earlier Air implementations sometimes exhibited.

USB-C connectivity ensures compatibility with modern computers while maintaining backward compatibility through included adapters. The improved driver performance provides lower latency across platforms.

Preamp Quality and Character

Focusrite’s heritage in preamp design informs the Scarlett line. The ISA preamp series has earned respect in professional studios, and the Scarlett preamps inherit that philosophy at more accessible prices.

The standard preamp mode delivers clean, transparent gain suitable for most applications. Sources sound like themselves without imposed coloration. This neutrality serves as an excellent starting point for processing during mixing.

Air mode engages a modified circuit that adds high-frequency lift and subtle harmonic content. Vocals gain presence and clarity while acoustic instruments sparkle. The effect remains tasteful rather than extreme, suitable for everyday use.

The gain range spans 56dB, accommodating everything from hot line-level sources to quiet ribbon microphones. The gain halos surrounding the input knobs provide immediate visual feedback for level optimization.

Software Bundle Value

The Scarlett software bundle adds substantial value beyond the hardware. The included applications provide everything needed to begin recording immediately.

Ableton Live Lite offers a complete production environment for electronic and sample-based music. The workflow differs from traditional DAWs but excels for beat-making and live performance.

Pro Tools First provides access to the industry-standard professional DAW. Limited track counts still allow serious work, and the familiarity transfers to full Pro Tools in professional studios.

The Hitmaker Expansion includes plugins, samples, and instruments curated for immediate creative use. The selection covers vocals, guitar, keys, and drums with professional-quality tools.

Build Quality and Reliability

The Scarlett’s anodized aluminum enclosure survives typical studio and mobile use without issue. The red finish has become iconic, instantly recognizable on desks and in gear photos worldwide.

Input and output connectors feel solid and secure. The combination jacks accept both XLR and quarter-inch cables without looseness or intermittent connections.

Focusrite’s driver development ensures stable performance across Windows and Mac platforms. The interfaces work immediately upon connection with standard drivers, while dedicated Focusrite Control software enables advanced routing.

Real-World Performance

The Scarlett series delivers recording quality that satisfies professional requirements. Countless commercially released songs have been tracked through Scarlett interfaces, proving their capability beyond home recording.

Latency performance allows comfortable monitoring at buffer sizes that balance processing power with real-time response. Direct monitoring bypasses the computer entirely for zero-latency tracking.

The interfaces handle extended sessions without overheating or stability issues. Reliability in real-world conditions explains the Scarlett’s popularity among working musicians.

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The complete Focusrite Scarlett line is available at Guitar Center, Musician’s Friend, ProAudioStar, and Amazon with various bundle options.