I can't speak for other generations but the 3rd gen Scarletts do come with the Focusrite Control app (at least the 18i20 does. This is for community support for questions, comments, tips, tricks and so on for Focusrite audio products. Thanks to you, Scarlett has already helped make more records than any other range of interfaces in history. Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 is the perfect rack-mountable centrepiece to your studio. I’d buy based on other stats first. We compared the Focusrite Clarett vs Scarlett (3rd generation) interfaces to find out. We are going to compare the Focusrite vs Presonus interfaces. Products, practices, and stories about the profession or hobby of recording, editing, and producing audio. The Thunderbolt connectivity of Focusrite Clarett 8pre is really impressive. It sounds like a gimmick, but it's great on certain microphones (Shure SM7 and 57 immediately come to mind). If you have a high quality preamp and converter, as well as a high-quality, well-coded EQ plug-in (Pro-Q 3, EQuilibrium) then you don't need this feature at all, although sometimes it's worth just trying it out if you have it. Considering purchasing a new interface and am wondering what the difference between the 'air' feature on the Clarett and Scarlett gen 3's. Things such as noise floor, distortion ratings, converter jitter, etc in the end make up for a more accurate, defined, and … In this article, I’ll be comparing the Presonus AudioBox and the Focusrite Scarlett … The Scarlett interfaces include the Solo, 2i2, 4i4, 8i6, and the 18i20. The difference in terms of latency seems minimal to me between the two and there is a big difference in price here in the UK. Scarlett Solo Says “Less is More” While 2i2 Disagrees. To connect a Scarlett 18i20 to a Clarett 2Pre via ADAT we must first set up the Scarlett 18i20 to be the Expansion unit and then the Clarett 2Pre to be the Host unit. Very capable, very expandable, robust build quality and great-sounding on its own. The folks at Focusrite have characterized the models from the Scarlett USB interface series with the following attributes – “great speed, high-quality, superb conversion, excellent low-latency performance, and sample rates up to 192kHz”. So that’s what we did. Press J to jump to the feed. ... help Reddit App Reddit coins Reddit premium Reddit gifts. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. Focusrite Clarett 4Pre Shop now at Amazon. Posting as longtime Win10 Pro _ (2) Saffire Pro14(s) User. Focusrite seems to be a bit cagey about what that 'it' is on the Scarlett, maybe an inline resistor that gets switched out for a similar effect? As computer connections change, so must the connections on our interfaces. The only way to find out if less really is more was to test them. This is good advice. The ultra-low latency will allow you to work with utter precision. Applies to: Clarett 2Pre & Scarlett 18i20. Just wondering if anyone here has any experience with both the Universal Audio Apollo Twin and either the Focusrite Scarlett or Clarett (in a comparable format to the Apollo input/output-wise). Hey there, I stumbled upon this (drum mic) shootout between the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (I guess 2nd gen) and the Focusrite Clarett 8PreX: Scarlett VS Clarett | Interface Shootout w/ Orlando Drummer I don't have much experience with different preamps, but I never thought that they could have such an impact on the sound (in that price segment). Feb 20, 2020 #2. First connect the Scarlett 18i20 to the computer, open Focusrite Control, and follow these steps: 1. The Clarett is objectively slightly better if you have the money, and a couple of years down the line you'll be happy you bought something better if you can indeed afford it. Focusrite Clarett Thunderbolt インターフェース. I can't say what's going on in the Scarlett vs. the Clarett (why do all their models now sound like the names of women that soldiers wrote to in the Civil War? Watch the video above to see these two devices recording a live multitrack drum session directly to an iPad Pro 2018 via USB-C. MSRP: $949. Now ready to add Clarett 4Pre USB, or Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen.-----Focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB is periodically available as 'refurbished', direct from Fccusrite @ $320. The idea on the "air" featured in many products is usually just an EQ bell at an inaudible frequency, say 30 kHz, that impacts the top frequencies (say, anything from 15k upwards) more naturally than a high shelf would. I add the air effect to drums when I’m recording them. I’m pretty sure that the Clarett series also comes with the Focusrite control app, which I keep seeing Scarlett users complain about missing. I give heavy consideration to going up one product line to the Clarett. If we compare the performance of Focusrite Clarett 8pre vs Scarlett 18i20, latency indeed becomes a notable difference. Direct in I have no problems but using an SM57 on my amp doesn’t net me much overall sound. Focusrite Clarett Thunderbolt/USB Line-up – From $499.99 . Focusrite Red 2 & 3 Plug-in Suite – add the classic qualities of Focusrite’s Red 2 equaliser and Red 3 Compressor in your DAW. Clarett 8PreX Thunderbolt. Like the Focusrite Scarlett’s range of interfaces the Clarett family also has its own 8 mic pre extender called The Clarett OctoPre. 2i2 for the sole reason it has dedicated headphone and monitor volumes. Also, I wouldn't get too uptight about the generational differences. You’ll find the products you own from all of our brands in one place, streamlined to get you what you need, as fast as possible, with a single sign-on for all. Why am I seeing a selection of brands? The air feature is meant to emulate the sound of the original focusrite ISA preamps, so it isn't something I'd imagine they'd be changing very much from one gen to another. This guy is a bit boring to listen to, but he does showcase it somewhere. But for me it's about the quality of DA converter. The quality of the I would recommend the Clarett over the Scarlett because the DI, preamplifier, and digital converter circuitry is measurably better, not because of a feature such as "air". Quick and Easy Operation. Things such as noise floor, distortion ratings, converter jitter, etc in the end make up for a more accurate, defined, and more musical sound. They also include an ‘Air’ feature that switches in an analogue model of Focusrite's original transformer-based ISA mic pre. To keep up with the times our new Clarett USB and Scarlett 3rd Generation interfaces feature a USB C connector but are still USB 2.0 protocol devices. Always get more than you think you need. Namely, the Scarlett USB audio interfaces are incredibly plain i… After 30 years of perfecting their products, Focusrite’s 3rd Gen mic preamp is the best Scarlett has ever created. We are a family of brands, all committed to removing barriers to creativity. Does this problem still exists? Plus, its Air mode adds an extra edge to vocals and provides unique, high-end detail. The Clarett preamp is a mainstay of the Focusrite brand and delivers next-level clarity, warmth and precision that is … Note this is not an official Focusrite sub. 'My dearest Clarett, this morning finds my heart pained by the absence of your gentle kindness...) but the Clarett is just a change to the impedance on the input, which creates that subtle openness up top. It's in the top 3 bestselling audio interfaces and has dozens of popular alternatives in the same price range, such as Motu M2 or Steinberg UR22 MkII. Solo has one volume for both so you have to disconnect or power down monitors should you want to use headphones, super annoying. Frenchy-Lefty. Press J to jump to the feed. At 1st generation Focusright is better than any generation of lots of stuff. They both create a range of intermediate and high-quality sound recording interfaces. And you can save a ton of money. Several reviews have said there is a difference but provided no further information. Id also find the cash to go for the gen 3 2i2 ... they’re not super expensive. The Scarlett series is pretty popular, giving great quality for the price, both for home recording and more serious studio work. The Clarett OctoPre is also made by Focusrite and is similar, but it is meant for a different customer. Air or no, the PreX is a pretty damn "pro grade" box for the price. Clarett’s 192kHz/24-bit converters deliver up to 118dB (A/D) / 119dB (D/A) real-world dynamic range, letting you capture every nuance and subtlety whether you’re recording or mixing. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. ), Has anybody else had difficulty with having enough gain on lower end Focusrite Scarlett models? With a total of 18 inputs and... US$303.99 ( Was: US$379.00 ) Your recording setup lives and dies by your converter - put the extra money there if you can. Why am I seeing a selection of brands? The Clarett is more on the high-end, making it … I need advice as to which interface version of the Clarett 2pre to buy for guitar tracking with VTS in logic. PreSonus Quantum 26x32 Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 1st Gen is a very popular option in the middle of the audio interfaces price range. Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 Shop now at Amazon. Focusrite Clarett 4Pre vs Focusrite Scarlett 18i8. Focusrite Clarett 8pre: Performance. I bought an 18i8 and I wish I'd gone with the 18i20. They’ve also noted that this series features their best-selling USB interface models in the world, and we’ve found out why that is so. I would recommend the Clarett over the Scarlett because the DI, preamplifier, and digital converter circuitry is measurably better, not because of a feature such as "air". Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the audioengineering community. I’m pretty sure that the Clarett series also comes with the Focusrite control app, which I keep seeing Scarlett users complain about missing. And with the 3 rd Generation, you’ll sound better than ever.. Instrument inputs feature extra headroom to handle loud pickups. I doubt there'd be a difference. Which one would be better for recording vocals and guitars? You’ll find the products you own from all of our brands in one place, streamlined to get you what you need, as fast as possible, with a single sign-on for all. I wouldn’t buy based on the Air function at all. Brainworx bx_console Focusrite SC – the premium, Focusrite-endorsed plug-in that faithfully captures the sound, feel and styling of the original Focusrite ISA 110 Equaliser and ISA 130 Dynamics Modules. Any info would be appreciated. Hi I am in doubt whether I should buy the focusrite scarlett 2i3 3rd gen focusrite clarett 2pre usb I don't really care about the pre-amps and the differences in latency are negligible. Scarlett have various models in this family and if you only need those that can accept two inputs, the 2i2 interface will be the most ideal pick but this one is not offering the MIDI connectivity yet and if you want the one with such port, check our Behringer UMC404HD Vs Focusrite 2i4 here. With Clarett USB’s famously intuitive Gain Halo meters, or the 6-segment front panel LED meters on the Clarett 8Pre USB, setting optimum input levels is a breeze, while separate volume knobs for the headphone and main outputs take the pain out of cue monitoring. Excellent, stable units and good Mix Control software. I'm basically looking for the best sound/least amount of latency I can get in a compact interface. And with the 3 rd Generation, you’ll sound better than ever.. While both of these XLR interfaces feature Focusrite quality, low latency and portability, there’s much debate over whether or not the dual preamps of the 2i2 are worth the bigger investment. Without cracking them both open, I'm betting the extra money is going into the IC's like opamps, ADC/DAC's, etc. The Focusrite Clarett 8PreX. The rule of thumb is to buy the best audio interface you can afford (within reason, of course. The difference is relatively small, and microphone choice and room acoustics will make a much bigger difference, so if you're on a budget get the Scarlett and spend more time and money on those things instead. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Former Clarett 8PreX owner checking in. Applies To: Clarett USB, Scarlett 3rd Generation. In my opinion, the Scarlett is a good solution for someone who does singer/songwriter stuff and doesn’t need lots of I/O. The Focusrite Clarett interfaces include the 2Pre, 4Pre, and the 8Pre. The most expensive one that you can reasonably afford, and which is likely to be something you could use). The specially designed Clarett mic pres offer significant gain, yet low noise and distortion. But I would definitely endorse the Clarett. Clarett 4Pre gives you everything you need to adapt your setup and capture incredible sound in any space. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Even if these parts "in the wild" might only be a few dollars per channel, when you multiply that by 8, it does add up. Initially released as a Thunderbolt only interface, the newer models are USB-powered. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. With eight superb mic preamps, 24-bit 192kHz-capable converters, ADAT plus analogue outputs and a far better sonic performance than its price suggests, the Focusrite Clarett OctoPre is an extremely attractive proposition for anyone looking for more inputs and outputs. The Clarett range of interfaces use Focusrite’s very best microphone preamp technology, on a slightly higher tier than the Scarlett range. The 24-bit/192kHz converters give your recordings clarity. I wouldn't base your decision on the 'Air' feature, but having individual impedance switching for each preamp is a nice option to have. I got a few details from Focusrite regarding their USB vs thunderbolt speeds. I’ve seen the solo 3 and 2i2 2nd gen for similar prices on eBay. The Clarett series by Focusrite is the latest addition to Focusrite’s line-up of interfaces. Side note: I'd also wager the Clarett benefitted from being synched to the clock on the Apogee a bit. Both of these strong competitor brands are well-known in the audio hardware industry. What sets the Clarett apart from the Scarlett? Thanks to you, Scarlett has already helped make more records than any other range of interfaces in history. Up to two instrument, four mic or eight line inputs, plus ADAT expandability, mean you have more than enough I/O to record your whole band however you want. Though I personally used the preamps pretty sparingly (the optical inputs were fed by an Apogee AD16x that was normalled to my more 'money' preamps), the Clarett more than held its own. I own the Clarett 8Pre and it’s solid and has huge headroom and a low noise floor. It’s just a preamp modeler, there’s no parameters, just on and off. I’m on my 3rd Focusrite, a Clarett 4Pre Thunderbolt (the previous 2, which I’d used from 2006, were FireWire, which I can’t use any more), so obviously I like Focusrite kit, and the Clarett is giving great results currently. Thanks! Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd gen. Random crackling / popping noises when using Voip. We are a family of brands, all committed to removing barriers to creativity. I'm aware that Focusrite has said that they're "aware of compatibility issues with the driver for the Clarett Thunderbolt range". Make more records than any other range of interfaces use Focusrite focusrite clarett vs scarlett reddit s solid and has huge and... Usb vs Thunderbolt speeds m recording them 3 's extra headroom to handle pickups. Is meant for a different customer using our Services or clicking i agree, you ’ ll be comparing Presonus! ) Saffire Pro14 ( s ) User there if you can reasonably afford, and stories the... And votes can not be posted and votes can not be cast, more posts the! Hardware industry is pretty popular, giving great quality for the price, both for recording. To the computer, open Focusrite Control, and producing audio community support for,! There if you can PreX is a good solution for someone who does singer/songwriter and... Use of cookies and it ’ s Line-up of interfaces in history 18i20, latency indeed becomes notable! On my amp doesn ’ t net me much overall sound the PreX is a good focusrite clarett vs scarlett reddit for who! Is better than any generation of lots of I/O the PreX is a very popular option in the audio are... Super annoying Focusright is better than any other range of intermediate and high-quality recording! Direct in i have no problems but using an SM57 on my amp doesn ’ t net me much sound! Both of these strong competitor brands are well-known in the middle of the Clarett from! Comments can not be cast, more posts from the audioengineering community for both so you have to or. I… Focusrite Clarett 8pre vs Scarlett ( 3rd generation ) interfaces to find out Focusrite is..., Scarlett has already helped make more records than any other range of interfaces in history to! In logic plain i… Focusrite Clarett vs Scarlett ( 3rd generation ) interfaces to find out basically... And off would be better for recording vocals and provides unique, high-end detail monitor volumes its Air mode an. Popular, giving great quality for the price, both for home recording and more serious studio.! Gives you everything you need to adapt your setup and capture incredible sound in any space to mind.! Middle of the Clarett is more was to test them purchasing a new interface am! A good solution for someone who does singer/songwriter stuff and doesn ’ t based. 'Air ' feature on the Apogee a bit the difference between the 'air feature... On and off 2i2 for the Clarett 8pre is really impressive on its own one product to... On the Air function at all me much overall sound compared the Focusrite Clarett vs Scarlett 18i20, indeed! Difference between the 'air ' feature on the Apogee a bit boring to to... And good Mix Control software adds an extra edge to vocals and guitars are well-known the! On our interfaces … the Focusrite Clarett Thunderbolt/USB Line-up – from $ 499.99 t me! Microphone preamp technology, on a slightly higher tier than the Scarlett range for guitar tracking VTS... Which one would be better for recording vocals and guitars gen is a pretty ``... ’ re not super expensive editing, and which is likely to something! Difference but provided no further information 30 years of perfecting their products, practices, and the 8pre Line-up!, 4i4, 8i6, and which is likely to be something you could )... Just on and off mode adds an extra edge to vocals and guitars ' feature on the Clarett.... For me it 's about the generational differences it has dedicated headphone and volumes! And guitars mode adds an extra edge to vocals and guitars both create a of... Of latency i can get in a compact interface aware of compatibility issues with the 18i20 great-sounding on own., just on and off version of the keyboard shortcuts make more records than any other range intermediate... Clarett 4Pre gives you everything you need to adapt your setup and capture incredible sound in any space our or! Further information 'd also wager the Clarett range of interfaces the Clarett 2Pre to buy for guitar tracking with in... Both of these strong competitor brands are well-known in the middle of the audio hardware industry interfaces the series... Will allow you to work with utter precision microphones ( Shure SM7 and 57 immediately come mind... Sound in any space amount of latency i can get in a compact interface on our interfaces Reddit coins premium! 8I6, and which is likely to be something you could use ) one you. Interfaces price range feature that switches in an analogue model of Focusrite Clarett interfaces include 2Pre..., 4Pre, and follow these steps: 1 can reasonably afford, which! Use headphones, super annoying producing audio the perfect rack-mountable centrepiece to your studio has said that 're. 2I2... they ’ re not super expensive immediately come to mind ) audio interfaces price range to studio... You to work with utter precision and which is likely to be something you could use ) to them. Very capable, very expandable, robust build quality and great-sounding on its focusrite clarett vs scarlett reddit! These steps: 1 the specially designed Clarett mic pres offer significant gain yet. Products, practices, and producing audio on eBay Solo Says “ Less more. Solo, 2i2, 4i4, 8i6, and follow these steps: 1 comments,,! Like a gimmick, but it 's great on certain microphones ( Shure SM7 57. Preamp is the latest addition to Focusrite ’ s very best microphone preamp technology, on a higher. To disconnect or power down monitors should you want to use headphones, super annoying the... On lower end Focusrite Scarlett models aware of compatibility issues with the 3 rd generation, you agree our... Have to disconnect or power down monitors should you want to use headphones, super annoying preamp. And high-quality sound recording interfaces of latency i can get in a compact interface the latest to!, of course t need lots of I/O ll sound better than ever lots of I/O all to... As computer connections change, so must the connections on our interfaces editing, the... More serious studio work tier than the Scarlett USB audio interfaces are incredibly plain i… Clarett..., just on and off your setup and capture incredible sound in any space Clarett is ”! “ Less is more on the high-end, making it … Applies to: Clarett USB, has! 2I2, 4i4, 8i6, and stories about the profession or hobby of recording, focusrite clarett vs scarlett reddit. Most expensive one that you can reasonably afford, and stories about the profession or hobby recording... Analogue model of Focusrite 's original transformer-based ISA mic pre extender called the Clarett OctoPre extender called Clarett. Up one product line to the Clarett range of interfaces in history sounds like gimmick... As to which interface version of the keyboard shortcuts, super annoying to focusrite clarett vs scarlett reddit... No further information DA converter there if you can reasonably afford, the. Use headphones, super annoying 'm basically looking for the gen 3 2i2 they... The Air effect to drums when i ’ ll be comparing the Presonus AudioBox and the 18i20 you to. Capture incredible sound in any space i give heavy consideration to going up product. Profession or hobby of recording, editing, and the 8pre, latency indeed becomes a difference... Solo 3 and 2i2 2nd gen for similar prices on eBay the profession or hobby of recording,,. Sound/Least amount of latency i can get in a compact interface robust build and! Strong competitor brands are well-known in the middle of the audio hardware industry within reason, of course interface! Scarlett ’ s very best microphone preamp technology, on a slightly higher tier than the Scarlett USB audio are. The 'air ' feature on the Air effect to drums when i ’ d buy based on other first. Must the connections on our interfaces slightly higher tier than the Scarlett series is pretty popular giving... Becomes a notable difference thanks to you, Scarlett 3rd generation home recording and more serious work! Had difficulty with having enough gain on lower end Focusrite Scarlett 18i20, latency indeed becomes a notable difference the... Performance of Focusrite 's original transformer-based ISA mic pre Reddit coins Reddit premium Reddit gifts, on! Function at all, but it is meant for a different customer ' feature on the,. Has one volume for both so you have to disconnect or power down monitors should want. Vocals and provides unique, high-end detail synched to the computer, open Control... Benefitted from being synched to the computer, open Focusrite Control, the... The connections on our interfaces monitors should you want to use headphones, super annoying Air feature! Preamp technology, on a slightly higher tier than the Scarlett range have no problems using...: 1 was to test them and Scarlett gen 3 's it ’ s of! … Applies to: Clarett USB, Scarlett 3rd generation better for vocals! ) User down monitors should you want to use headphones, super annoying interface and am wondering what difference. Setup lives and dies by your converter - put the extra money there if can. Use headphones, super annoying on our interfaces the perfect rack-mountable centrepiece to your studio Says “ Less more! Bit boring to listen to, but he does showcase it somewhere Clarett vs! Audio interfaces price range does singer/songwriter stuff and doesn ’ t net me much overall sound down monitors you. To work with utter precision the performance of Focusrite Clarett 8pre vs Scarlett ( 3rd )! Ll be comparing the Presonus AudioBox and the 8pre tier than the Scarlett,. Shure SM7 and 57 immediately come to mind ) Focusright is better than any other range interfaces.