alistairc
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New interface decision - Focusrite or Focusrite!
I'm looking to replace my audio interface and had narrowed the choice down to Tascam and Focusrite, so decided to go ahead and purchase the Focusrite 6i6 2nd generation. While I was checking some details on the Focusrite site I see that they are having a clearance sale on the 1st Gen 6i6.
The only aspect which seems to be signficantly differerent is the driver performance. I'm not worried about the cosmetic differences or the new preamps (got plenty of outboard pres). I wondered if anyone has experience of the differences in driver performance/latency with Sonar Platinum?
Thanks!
Alistair C.
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Cactus Music
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Re: New interface decision - Focusrite or Focusrite!
2017/01/24 10:15:13
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Only person who could answer that is someone who has both a 1st and a 2nd generation on hand.
I've certainly been happy with my 1st gen model driver wise.
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Dave76
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Re: New interface decision - Focusrite or Focusrite!
2017/01/24 12:47:49
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1st gen had a lot of driver stability issues and some issues that seem to be fundamental to the hardware (like the gain sensitivity). They stopped releasing official drivers for it in favor of some sketchy beta driver releases long before coming out with the 2nd gen. You can do some googling and you'll find lots of dissatisfied customers of the 1st gen. 2nd gen is rumored to be much nicer and the 2nd gen's new Focusrite Control software looks way more intuitive than the 1st gen's MixControl.
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alistairc
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Re: New interface decision - Focusrite or Focusrite!
2017/01/24 16:04:21
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Thanks for the feedback. It's good to hear that first gen is working well with Sonar.
I've read over a number of reviews and discussions in various forums and found the usual mix of love and hate that most interfaces seem to generate, but for my relatively limited needs I think it's worth trying the first generation.
Thanks for the responses.
Alistair C.
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RSMCGUITAR
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Re: New interface decision - Focusrite or Focusrite!
2017/01/24 18:32:25
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I've had some trouble with my first gen but lately it's been working well.
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Cactus Music
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Re: New interface decision - Focusrite or Focusrite!
2017/01/24 18:38:58
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Dave76
1st gen had a lot of driver stability issues and some issues that seem to be fundamental to the hardware (like the gain sensitivity). They stopped releasing official drivers for it in favor of some sketchy beta driver releases long before coming out with the 2nd gen. You can do some googling and you'll find lots of dissatisfied customers of the 1st gen. 2nd gen is rumored to be much nicer and the 2nd gen's new Focusrite Control software looks way more intuitive than the 1st gen's MixControl.
Are you talking about the 6i6?? or some other model. There hasn't been a beta driver since way back in Jan 2014. They released 1.8 pretty quickly in March 2014. It has been 100% stable for everybody. I've yet to read a negative comment. So possibly your talking about a 2i2 or a 2i4 ? Each model has it's own driver. The first driver that I had was 1.6. I had issues on one computer and Focusrite offered the Beta driver to me. They seem to keep them hidden. Then 1.7 came out and was fine and real quickly 1.8. So with in a few months they seemed to fix all issues. I was impressed myself. I will agree that 1st gen Mix Control is impossible to figure out so I don't use it. I use hardware monitoring. It would be nice if they fixed that. And the 1st Gen pre amps are not up to my standards. Either too hot or too cold. Very hard to dial in a safe level compared to my Tascam or my other pre amps I'm forced to use.
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Dave76
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Re: New interface decision - Focusrite or Focusrite!
2017/01/25 12:50:08
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For 1st gen, all devices use the same driver and MixControl and have similar reported problems. Like I said, google for it but, hey, I'm not personally in contact with "everybody" who owns a 6i6 like you apparently are. The preamp issue that you mention is what I was referring to with regard to the gain sensitivity. As far as I know, that's a hardware issue that can't be fixed with drivers on the 1st gen.
1.8 is not the USB driver version, it is the MixControl version. Since then, they've been quietly releasing beta MixControl versions (and bundled driver updates) with the latest being 1.9b12. 1.8 is old and usually the version people have problems with.
As far as I'm concerned, MixControl and the preamp issues are enough to avoid the 1st gen even if you manage to be one of those people who don't have stability issues with it.
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RSMCGUITAR
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Re: New interface decision - Focusrite or Focusrite!
2017/01/25 13:16:55
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Not true. They don't all use the same driver and my 2i4 is not compatible with mixcontrol
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jadonx
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Re: New interface decision - Focusrite or Focusrite!
2017/01/25 15:58:18
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Pleased with my 2nd 6i6 but not had first gen. I think there is improved latency and audio input level range.
I really like the software bundles such as the Softube, Focusrite Red Comp/equaliser. Just logged into my account the other day and found the Addictive keys instrument giveaway and I took the excellent studio grand that I had in demo mode! The focusrite support team are excellent too.
John.
Windows 10 64bit Sonar platinum(rolling updates..latest version) Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 2nd gen Yamaha HS5 monitors Laptop Intel i7 12GB ram Guitars(elec/acoustic 6/12 string),keyboards(Yamaha p115,oxygen49),harmonica,bass hobbyist
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Cactus Music
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Re: New interface decision - Focusrite or Focusrite!
2017/01/25 21:42:49
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☄ Helpfulby RSMCGUITAR 2017/01/25 23:47:09
The solo, 2i2 and 2i4 do not come with Mix Control. And the drivers are different for each model. The numbers are not even close. I think the 6i6 and upward share a driver and the mix control this is not clear when you look at the download pages. All it says is Mixcontrol 1.8 contains all the drivers you will need.
Ill agree that I would not by a 1st gen because of the pre amps alone. Not sure if they really fixed this.
My next interface will probably be a Motu or RME. Im tempted by the TAscam UH 7000 just for the pre amps and price point.
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Dave76
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Re: New interface decision - Focusrite or Focusrite!
2017/01/26 13:16:31
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RSMCGUITAR
Not true. They don't all use the same driver and my 2i4 is not compatible with mixcontrol
Cactus Music
The solo, 2i2 and 2i4 do not come with Mix Control. And the drivers are different for each model. The numbers are not even close. I think the 6i6 and upward share a driver and the mix control this is not clear when you look at the download pages. All it says is Mixcontrol 1.8 contains all the drivers you will need.
Ugh... wrong. Not sure why we are arguing about this but, like I said before, MixControl bundles the USB driver. If your interface doesn't support MixControl, then you just get the unbundled USB driver. Go to the Focusrite page and run the installer for MixControl 1.8 from the download page for any 1st gen device that supports it. You'll see that it pops up the installer for USB driver version 2.5.1. Now go to the download page for any non-MixControl 1st gen device and what do you see? USB driver version 2.5.1. It's even clearer on the beta site where the release notes for the USB drivers will list fixes/features that apply across the full model range plus a couple of changes that apply only to specific models across the range. To add some confusion, they have released versions of the beta drivers that apply only to specific models but these are still the same driver. They just have changes not applicable across the range (and they presumably don't want to regression test against the entire range of hardware so they tell you not to install it if you don't have that device and specific problem). But in any case, I do think we agree that the 1st gen is probably worth avoiding.
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RSMCGUITAR
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Re: New interface decision - Focusrite or Focusrite!
2017/01/26 13:30:31
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I apologize Dave, on further inspection you seem to be correct. I guess I was hung up with how it said this on the beta page:
This driver is for Scarlett Solo/2i2/2i4 only! Do not install this is you have a 1st Generation Scarlett 6i6/18i8/18i20
As an aside, it would seem that the beta page was just updated this afternoon with what appears to be a new version of the Control software.
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Cactus Music
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Re: New interface decision - Focusrite or Focusrite!
2017/01/26 22:24:12
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So there is a Beta page how are we supposed to know that Iève always just checked the Focusrite site like a good boy and that is that. So you folks are saying there is a new version of Mix Control and it works with 1st Gen interfaces.
My keyboard is typing weird letters right now.. a question mark = É
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Dave76
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Re: New interface decision - Focusrite or Focusrite!
2017/01/27 08:56:39
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RSMCGUITAR
I apologize Dave, on further inspection you seem to be correct. I guess I was hung up with how it said this on the beta page:
This driver is for Scarlett Solo/2i2/2i4 only! Do not install this is you have a 1st Generation Scarlett 6i6/18i8/18i20 No worries. I only know this stuff because I've had both the 2i4 and 18i20 (and helped a band mate with his 6i6) and because of all I've gone through with installing/reverting all sorts of driver versions to try to resolve the stability issues I've had. That warning definitely adds to the confusion. My interpretation is that it's still the same driver across the line (because you wouldn't need the warning about installing it with the 6i6+ otherwise) but they've updated it in some way that is incompatible with the 6i6+ models. This kind of confusion with the drivers and what devices they apply to, etc. is a big part of my frustration with the 1st gen hardware. I don't have experience with the 2nd gen but get the impression that there is much less crossing your fingers while installing beta drivers involved. Cactus Music
So there is a Beta page how are we supposed to know that Iève always just checked the Focusrite site like a good boy and that is that. So you folks are saying there is a new version of Mix Control and it works with 1st Gen interfaces.
Here's the beta page: http://beta.focusrite.com/ Be VERY cautious about installing any of these if your hardware is working perfectly for you. On some of these, you can't roll back the firmware so you are stuck with the latest version of the driver and MixControl even if you don't like it.
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alistairc
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Re: New interface decision - Focusrite or Focusrite!
2017/01/29 16:10:41
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I thought that I'd report back to let you know what I ended up doing.
I managed to get hold of a 1st gen 6i6 to try - and compared to my old Tascam interface the latency was much better and it seems to function well. I'm mainly using VST instruments with a few audio tracks and working with external pre-amps for the mics. I've messed around with it over the weekend and I'm happy that it will meet my needs, and with the limted testing that I've done the drivers (just the official release, I've not tried the newer beta) seem to be pretty stable.
Given the low price for the clearance models direct from Focusrite (£109) it's going to be fine for me - sure there are better models out there, but this is such an improvement over my old interface that I'm very pleased with the results.
Alistair C.
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Cactus Music
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Re: New interface decision - Focusrite or Focusrite!
2017/01/29 19:11:14
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That's great, I certainly don't have driver issues with mine and as you said you have outboard pre amps that solves my only gripe, the touchy pre amps. Overall I'm super happy with the design. Nice metal case, solid and portable. The big knob for levels, 2 headphones and exactly the right connectivity for my set up.
I would be curious to compare Round trip latency between the old and new models. Bet the improvement is marginal.
And I'd also like to try the new pre amps and see if they resolved that issue.
But, I'm not replacing mine anytime soon and when I do it will most likely be a Motu or RME.
Thanks for the link Dave. Ya, I won't be trying anything new. Mine is rock solid on 3 different systems.
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musical
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Re: New interface decision - Focusrite or Focusrite!
2017/05/06 10:59:18
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I'll just add that if you buy the first generation 2i4 for £85 delivered, you can use the second-generation drivers (only 2i4 and below can do this), it is bus powered and you get the full software bundle (including Addictive Keys) and are eligible for the Plug-in collective.
It is the best £85 I've ever spent and I continue to receive more goodies!
So far, I've received:
- The stable, low-latency interface itself
- Addictive Keys Studio Grand
- Exponential Audio R2 reverb
- Syntorus double path analogue chorus
- Flux Studio Session Analyzer
- Positive Grid BIAS FX LE
- Sound Radix SurferEQ 2 Boogie
- Eventide 2016 Stereo Room
- iZotope DDLY Dynamic Delay
- BIAS Amp LE
- Ableton Live Lite
- Scarlett Plugin Suite
- Novation Bass Station
- Free Loopmasters Content
- Red Plugin Suite
- Softube Time and Tone bundle
- Focusrite Drum Tracks
- Focusrite 2016 Loopmasters Content
There are also other options for discounted upgrades, the best of which is Softube Time and Tone Plus upgrade which contains Fix Flanger and Doubler, Amp Room Essentials and the FET Compressor which you can pick up for $84 to upgrade the Time and Tone bundle.
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Soundwise
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Re: New interface decision - Focusrite or Focusrite!
2017/05/06 12:00:12
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alistairc
I thought that I'd report back to let you know what I ended up doing.
I managed to get hold of a 1st gen 6i6 to try - and compared to my old Tascam interface the latency was much better and it seems to function well. I'm mainly using VST instruments with a few audio tracks and working with external pre-amps for the mics. I've messed around with it over the weekend and I'm happy that it will meet my needs, and with the limted testing that I've done the drivers (just the official release, I've not tried the newer beta) seem to be pretty stable.
Given the low price for the clearance models direct from Focusrite (£109) it's going to be fine for me - sure there are better models out there, but this is such an improvement over my old interface that I'm very pleased with the results.
Alistair C.
Good choice, Alistair. 1st Gen 6i6 is solidly built, while the 2nd Gen looks flimsy. 1Gen.  2Gen. 
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Cactus Music
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Re: New interface decision - Focusrite or Focusrite!
2017/05/06 15:56:42
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Thanks for the pictures. You just gave me another item to add to my shopping list.
*Make sure all inputs/outputs are properly secured*
You can bet your boots that those missing nuts are only what you see.
I can just hear the marketing/accounting team saying to the engineering team- "what can we sacrifice in build quality to increase the profit with the new units?"
"well , if we don't use securement nuts we can save $.12 per unit" - Do it"
I can see a crackle just waiting to happen.
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lawajava
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Re: New interface decision - Focusrite or Focusrite!
2017/05/06 18:38:15
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☄ Helpfulby Soundwise 2017/05/07 20:49:21
This is an aging thread, so maybe the OP already solved for their question.
For anyone monitoring the thread though, as an owner of both Gen 1 and Gen 2 Focusrite Scarletts (three units), I noticed a whopping difference from Gen 1 to Gen 2. I was very glad to sell my Gen 1 units to different up and comer folks via Craigslist (giving them my honest feedback that Gen 2 was way better, but offering my Gen 1s at a better than they could buy price from anywhere else).
So I very happily got rid of my Gen 1 units. I can do things now that I couldn't before. Real time audio monitoring is kind of big. I can record Addictive Drums 2 live now, where the performance of hitting the drums while recording and hearing the Addictive drums sound is real time. Lots of things. Just way better. That said, I know there are strong opinions that other makers of audio interfaces are great. I want to clarify that in using the Focusrite Scarlett Gen 2 units that I have that every need I have is addressed. They work great, sound great, are easy to use, I get great monitoring while recording, and the price for the units was way lower than some of the recommended alternatives.
Value gets a plus 1 in my opinion.
Two internal 2TB SSDs laptop stuffed with Larry's deals and awesome tools. Studio One is the cat's meow as a DAW now that I've migrated off of Sonar. Using BandLab Cakewalk just to grab old files when migrating songs.
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riojazz
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Re: New interface decision - Focusrite or Focusrite!
2017/05/16 00:52:40
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I have several Focusrite Scarlett devices. One 18i20 is 2nd generation. I did not find the new MixControl software nearly as intuitive (and therefore better) as I had expected, compared to the 1st generation. As far as sound, the difference is minimal unless you plan on using extremely high sample rates. I think the gain on a 2nd generation is perhaps easier to adjust in small increments, and the limiting seems better.
The same 1.8 software runs my 6i6, 8i8, and 18i20 1st gen units. The Solo and anything starting with a 2 do not run the MixControl software, as mentioned.
Do NOT use any of the beta drivers. I've been there, and had to uninstall them (no small task, even with company instructions). 1.8 seems fine.
Software: Cakewalk by Bandlab; Adobe Audition; Band-in-A-Box audiophile; Izotope Ozone; Encore; Melodyne; Win 10 Pro, 64-bit. Hardware: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 2nd; Roland Integra-7; TCE Finalizer; Presonus Central Station, Behringer X-Touch. Home built i7 with 16 GB RAM, SSDs.
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