Focusrite Audio Interface

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JCB
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2015/10/21 05:23:18 (permalink)

Focusrite Audio Interface

Hi, I have a new computer and am looking for an Audio Interface. Two that look good for my purposes are the Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 USB 2, or the new (yet to be on sale) Clarett 2pre Thunderbolt. There is a noticeable difference in price between the two. The Clarett range have new pre-amps and Thunderbolt. I would very much appreciate and value any insights and experience you have with the Scarlett and Mix Control, even the Clarett range since the 8pre versions have been released. I have had very good experience in the past with Focusrite pre-amps and past service from Focusrite Tech Support.
 
John.

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    igiwigi
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    Re: Focusrite Audio Interface 2015/10/21 05:29:58 (permalink)
    Focusrite 6i6   FLAWLESS
    #2
    Tané
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    Re: Focusrite Audio Interface 2015/10/21 05:48:38 (permalink)
    Ditto on the 6i6
    #3
    Sir William
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    Re: Focusrite Audio Interface 2015/10/21 06:43:05 (permalink)
    I have the 8i6 and it's flawless too.

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    Wookiee
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    Re: Focusrite Audio Interface 2015/10/21 06:49:07 (permalink)
    I have been using Focusrite Interfaces for the last seven years and I find them very usable, true I have been using their firewire ones but they are very similar.  I suspect the extra cost of a Thunderbolt card for a PC could affect your choice.  Many peeps here use their USB I/F's with great results.

    Edit: Shyriiwook to English translator has a spelling glitch well that's my excuse anyway
    post edited by Wookiee - 2015/10/21 09:48:46

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    jamesg1213
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    Re: Focusrite Audio Interface 2015/10/21 07:47:31 (permalink)
    Just bought my first Focusrite (2i4), love it. Very solid piece of kit.

     
    Jyemz
     
     
     



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    mettelus
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    Re: Focusrite Audio Interface 2015/10/21 08:10:14 (permalink)
    The Clarett is new, so is hard to get feedback other than speculation on that unit before it hits the streets. Rumor has it that the drivers only exist for Mac thus far, but I have not kept up with it. At this point, you might save yourself by something more tried and true as mentioned above.
     
    I also have the Firewire Saffire (not USB), and have had no issues with it. Focusrite has always promptly responded to emails; so as a brand, I have been very impressed with them.

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    #7
    TheMaartian
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    Re: Focusrite Audio Interface 2015/10/21 13:12:14 (permalink)
    I think it's going to be a bit before we see tightly integrated Thunderbolt support for PCs, considering Intel's Thunderbolt 3 (on USB-C) on a chip announcement this past June.
     
    https://thunderbolttechnology.net/blog/thunderbolt-3-usb-c-does-it-all
    http://www.anandtech.com/show/9331/intel-announces-thunderbolt-3
     
    My Tascam US-16x08 works just fine on USB2, although the new US-20x20 is USB3 only, so I'm able to wait for full Thunderbolt 3 support (PC motherboard and Win10 implementations). I've looked into adding a Thunderbolt card to my PC (an early 2012 Dell XPS8500), but it's too old to support it, but not nearly old enough to justify replacement.
     
    Seems like a good time to wait for the promise of the tech to catch up with reality.

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    Tunerman
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    Re: Focusrite Audio Interface 2015/10/21 20:32:08 (permalink)
    The Clarette 2Pre is not even compatible with Win 8.1.  Compatibility chart at Focusrite website.
    http://global.focusrite.c...s?product=Clarett+2Pre
     
    Focusrite Pro 24 here and it works great....but the Mix Control software, to me, is too confusing.
     
     
     

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    bitflipper
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    Re: Focusrite Audio Interface 2015/10/21 21:04:12 (permalink)
    Been using a Focusrite interface here since February when my MOTU gave up the ghost. Very happy with it. Thunderbolt is a non-issue, no advantage for audio applications.


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    Vastman
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    Re: Focusrite Audio Interface 2015/10/21 21:11:00 (permalink)
    I had a couple saffire dsp units for years and they were very good... Upgraded to the Forte and I'm in heaven for the improved mic pres... I would imagine what you sacrifice by not waiting for clairet compatibility is the pre's... which you can get with the Forte.
     
    the Clarett is appealing for latency but it's gonna be awhile.  Try the Forte or the 6i......heck, I tried three before deciding the Forte was exquisite!  You can always return it.
    post edited by Vastman - 2015/10/21 21:24:58

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    michaelhanson
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    Re: Focusrite Audio Interface 2015/10/22 12:38:29 (permalink)
    8i6 and 2i4 here. They work great.

    Mike

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    Mesh
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    Re: Focusrite Audio Interface 2015/10/22 13:03:48 (permalink)
    Talk about an overwhelming Focusrite user base.......count me in as well....Scarlett 2i4 on Win10 x64.  

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    tagruvto
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    Re: Focusrite Audio Interface 2015/10/22 16:05:18 (permalink)
    I've had the Focusrite 18i20 for a little over 2 years and it is still working great.   I am also quite happy with the Scarlett Mix Control.  It provides a good deal of flexibility for providing different mixes to musicians.
     
    My only minor complaint is that the Focusrite preamp gain was insufficient for my ribbon mic. (This is actually a fairly common issue with ribbon mics.)  I purchased a Cloud Lifter, which is an inline phantom powered amplifier to boost the gain before it hits the mic. pre.  All is good!

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    Sonico
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    Re: Focusrite Audio Interface 2015/10/22 19:12:54 (permalink)
    Scarlett 18i20 here and working great!!
    I record monitoring with fx, no problems.

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    JCB
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    Re: Focusrite Audio Interface 2015/10/23 05:39:38 (permalink)
    JCB
    Hi, I have a new computer and am looking for an Audio Interface. Two that look good for my purposes are the Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 USB 2, or the new (yet to be on sale) Clarett 2pre Thunderbolt. There is a noticeable difference in price between the two. The Clarett range have new pre-amps and Thunderbolt. I would very much appreciate and value any insights and experience you have with the Scarlett and Mix Control, even the Clarett range since the 8pre versions have been released. I have had very good experience in the past with Focusrite pre-amps and past service from Focusrite Tech Support.
     
    John.



    Thank you everyone (a lot) for your comments regards my query. I have ordered the Scarlett 6i6. It seems to have the I/O that I would prefer and there seems to be a lot of very positive comments. Unfortunately, the Clarett drivers for Windows will not be available until next year (according to Focusrite). So, I'll see how I get on with the 6i6.
     
    Thank you again, much appreciated.
    John.

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    townstra
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    Re: Focusrite Audio Interface 2015/10/24 21:31:49 (permalink)
    I have been really happy with my 18i20.  I did have an issue when I first upgraded to Windows 10 Pro.  ADAT streaming caused it to crash.  I emailed Focusrite and they sent me a link to beta MixControl software and drivers.  That took care of it.

    Regards,
    Tracy
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    cclarry
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    Re: Focusrite Audio Interface 2015/10/24 21:47:25 (permalink)
    I have a Forte...and it's still using the same driver that it used with Win 7 on Win 10....and it works flawlessly...
    It has the Rednet Preamps in it, which are Focusrite's flagship Preamps...and it is a a masterpiece...
    My brother uses a 2i2 and couldn't be happier...so any of the Focusrite interfaces are worthy...


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