Hello Gents-
I recently come across this thread, as I am interested in the Scarlett series audio interface. I was wondering if there have been any further updates regarding the issues I've read about? I am a drummer in need of a proper audio interface for my Roland TD-20SX. I'm new to electronic drumming and PC based home studio recording. I have Sonar 8.5 PE software and a decent ASUS lappy as my overall platform. All I need now is a good VST (I'm thinking Steven Slate Drums, perhaps) and a good MIDI audio interface. Based on your experiences thus far, would any of you recommend the Scarlett 18i6 or 8i6? I wonder if the main issue is how new to market this product is. I've heard nothing but great things about Focusrite in general, but like others on this thread, I'm convinced of Firewire's obsolescence.

I guess I'm mostly interested in what updates, if any, are there on the MIDI aspects of this device and whether or not Focusrite has been forthcoming in their efforts to support and resolve these issues.

Your input, advice, and recommendations would be most welcomed and appreciated.
Many thanks,
DC

Just got an 18i a few weeks ago and have few problems. The sound is actually pretty impressive.

Initially went through some blue screen blues- but that was due to driver conflicts on boot up between my onboard Realtek audio device and Scarlett, not getting along with one another. So I went into the Device manager and disabled Realtek, and now use only Scarlett as my exclusive audio device. Problem solved.

I still wonder about proper input levels and trying to get that straight , and in one DAW they seem to produce weak volume levels that require additional FX processing w/compression to boost dynamics. I'm still learning X1 and and how I should be getting that straight, also.

Any input on input levels, anyone?

Yea, I would like to hear more on this too. I notice I have to crank the preamps up near 7/10 to get a normal signal and as for a dynamic mic level in the inputs, they require ridulous gain increase within X1 itself.

Cian

I am using my Scarlett in conjunction with my mixer. I haven't had any issues with the levels being too low. What specific devices are you using to go into your Scarlett?

Kreative


Just got an 18i a few weeks ago and have few problems. The sound is actually pretty impressive.

Initially went through some blue screen blues- but that was due to driver conflicts on boot up between my onboard Realtek audio device and Scarlett, not getting along with one another. So I went into the Device manager and disabled Realtek, and now use only Scarlett as my exclusive audio device. Problem solved.

I still wonder about proper input levels and trying to get that straight , and in one DAW they seem to produce weak volume levels that require additional FX processing w/compression to boost dynamics. I'm still learning X1 and and how I should be getting that straight, also.

Any input on input levels, anyone?

Hello,


The blue screen issue that you mentioned should be solved by installing our latest beta USB drivers (Focusrite USB2 Drivers 2.2b3) from here: http://beta.focusrite.com/


With regard to the input level this is normal behaviour. Please see this article for further information: http://www.focusrite.com/...en/article.php?id=1163


Best regards,


Chris 
Focusrite Support

Chris Focusrite

Kreative


Just got an 18i a few weeks ago and have few problems. The sound is actually pretty impressive.

Initially went through some blue screen blues- but that was due to driver conflicts on boot up between my onboard Realtek audio device and Scarlett, not getting along with one another. So I went into the Device manager and disabled Realtek, and now use only Scarlett as my exclusive audio device. Problem solved.

I still wonder about proper input levels and trying to get that straight , and in one DAW they seem to produce weak volume levels that require additional FX processing w/compression to boost dynamics. I'm still learning X1 and and how I should be getting that straight, also.

Any input on input levels, anyone?

Hello,


The blue screen issue that you mentioned should be solved by installing our latest beta USB drivers (Focusrite USB2 Drivers 2.2b3) from here: http://beta.focusrite.com/


With regard to the input level this is normal behaviour. Please see this article for further information: http://www.focusrite.com/...en/article.php?id=1163


Best regards,


Chris 
Focusrite Support

I read the Focusrite article posted here, previous to Chris's post, and it confirms that cranking up inputs is neither harmful or unusual. I'm really not having any more BSOD problems since I disabled my other driver. And with experimentation, my inputs and outcomes are acceptable. I like the sound of 18i. Its robust and has punch. Its better than my M Audio Mobile Pre, for sure. That did not even come close to compare to 18i in quality.


I also like the Scarlett Mix Control and included bundle of software. All in all, I think this is a pretty value packed unit w/software and all. I don't regret my purchase, and I would recommend it to others.

Thanks Chris for signing onto the these forums to help with these issues, its a testament to the reputability of the company.

I find that I have to crank my condensor mics up high in the preamps but for an electric guitar that it barely needs to be touched. I find that for instance putting a dynamic mic in the back inputs requires a ridiculous amount of gain i.e. in sonar also.

I would also like to ask what is the difference between "line" and "instrument" input?

(*I will test out that driver, besides the MIDI crash issue, this interface works a treat)

Cian

whack


Thanks Chris for signing onto the these forums to help with these issues, its a testament to the reputability of the company.

I find that I have to crank my condensor mics up high in the preamps but for an electric guitar that it barely needs to be touched. I find that for instance putting a dynamic mic in the back inputs requires a ridiculous amount of gain i.e. in sonar also.

I would also like to ask what is the difference between "line" and "instrument" input?

(*I will test out that driver, besides the MIDI crash issue, this interface works a treat)

Cian

I use the instrument input setting from my Scarlett Mix Control when I have my keyboard patched into the front panel dual mic/instrument inputs on my 18i. I would imagine the line inputs are for when using a microphone. I got much more volume response with my Korg Pa500 when I switched the input from line to instrument, since I am in fact using an instrument rather than a microphone in these inputs. There is a highly different output when switching between these settings, of course.

Ok, thanks creative. The instrument line probably uses a higher resistance value of something for the likes of guitars/keyboards etc.

BTW, i tried the new beta patch and although the I dont get blue screens, if the Midi cables are plugged in SONAR seems to still freeze and the interface drops out. Maybe I should disable the realtek soundcard to see if this is the real problem.

Cian

whack


Ok, thanks creative. The instrument line probably uses a higher resistance value of something for the likes of guitars/keyboards etc.

BTW, i tried the new beta patch and although the I dont get blue screens, if the Midi cables are plugged in SONAR seems to still freeze and the interface drops out. Maybe I should disable the realtek soundcard to see if this is the real problem.

Cian

Yes, Cian, I think that would be best if you just disabled realtek and used the 18i as your default audio when not going mobile. It was the total fix for me. Just go into the Device Manager and disable it. It should be all you need. Let me know if it works for you. 

Peace, 

Jon