Focusrite Scarlett
Summary
Abstract
The Focusrite Scarlett series is the entry-level to mid-range line that has become one of the most widely used interfaces in home studios. The Gen 4 revision represents a dramatic leap in quality, with conversion described as “practically identical” to the Focusrite Clarett by a Focusrite insider. At around $200 for 192kHz/24-bit capability, the Gen 4 Scarlett offers remarkable value and is frequently recommended as a no-brainer for anyone starting out or running a budget mixing rig.
Key Characteristics
- Gen 4 conversion nearly identical to Clarett — confirmed by a Focusrite contact; the gap between product tiers has narrowed significantly
- 192kHz / 24-bit for ~$200 — extremely hard to beat on price-to-performance
- New features not available on Clarett — Gen 4 Scarlett includes functionality updates that the Clarett line has not yet received
- Scarlett 18i20 popular for larger home setups — provides 18 inputs and 20 outputs with ADAT expansion
- Adequate for serious work — used by community members alongside monitor controllers, multiple speaker pairs, and outboard gear
- Not the last word in preamps — while improved, dedicated external preamps will still offer a meaningful step up
- Focusrite software integration — routing and monitor control possible through Focusrite Control software, including multiple speaker set switching
Use Cases
- First serious interface — the default recommendation for anyone entering audio production
- Budget mixing rigs — conversion quality no longer holds back the work at this price point
- Mobile/secondary rigs — members have considered switching from SSL interfaces to Gen 4 Scarlett for mobile setups
- Pairing with Avantone MixCubes or second monitors — the 18i20 has enough outputs to run multiple speaker pairs via software routing
Comparable Alternatives
| Interface | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Focusrite Clarett | 900 | Slightly better chips on paper; dedicated line inputs; bus-powered |
| Audient iD series | 500 | Console-derived preamps; insert loops |
| PreSonus Studio series | 500 | Similar tier; Studio One DAW included |
| SSL 2/2+ | 350 | SSL preamp character; limited I/O |
| MOTU M-series | 400 | Great metering; solid conversion |
Common Mistakes
- Adding a cheap analog monitor controller — anything placed between the Scarlett and your monitors will likely degrade the signal; use software monitoring or invest in a quality controller
- Not exploring software routing — the Scarlett 18i20 can switch between multiple monitor pairs using Focusrite Control, potentially eliminating the need for a hardware monitor controller
- Dismissing the Scarlett as “entry-level” — the Gen 4 converters compete with interfaces costing several times more
See Also
Source Discussions
Community Insights
“Just hit my Focusrite guy up. This is wild. Sonically, the new Scarlett is practically identical to the Clarett.” — community member
“The gen 4 Scarlett is extremely impressive for the price point.” — community member
“196kHz and 24 bit for $200 is really really hard to pass up!” — itMIGHTbeNICK
“I don’t think I’d bother with all that, because anything you add between the Scarlett and your monitors will probably make it sound worse.” — Zack Hames
“I’m not running anything too fancy. Just a Scarlett 18i20 into Kali IN8’s.” — Nick DeMichele