Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface Recording, Songwriting, & Streaming High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, With Transparent Playback

This is great hardware. I use to do my production hobby work on a desktop that died prematurely. My previous incarnation I ran a R-Bus into my Roland VM-3100 and additionally ran a SoundBlaster Emulator X. Unfortunately running those on an outdated laptop was not an option.I recently purchased a HP Laptop and tried running FL Studio. The audio out was lacking so I decided to look into audio interfaces and their software bundles. I already own an outdated version of Reason, Cubase, and Ableton. So I wanted to see what could I beef up my arsenal with. After seeing what Focusrite had I was thoroughly impressed. My next need was midi i/o. Again I had outboard gear in the form of two MidiSport 8x8. This filled in that gap with it being MIDI capable. My next option was multiple audio inputs and outputs. This more than covered my needs. I just needed a headphones out and it has two. I also needed something to connect my monitors and this was covered. I can chain my MIDI and use my patch bay if needed to route audio in. This device covered more than I needed which is perfect!Setup was pretty much straightforward but a tiny bit awkward. Everything on the Focusrite side is in perfect condition. Downloading everything is simple due to a lack of a DVD drive.Unfortunately I hit a brick wall with the software bundle. Some of the instructions are lacking. After finding a way to download most of the software I found myself at a crossroads. ProTools decided to discontinue their support of PT First. So that DAW isn’t an option for use. You’ll have to rely on Ableton’s Live in order to get any production work done.My other issue is with a bundled reverb. It crashes my DAW of choice every single time. I have a support ticket open for it so who knows if there’s a fix or if it’s just a problem with my configuration. There’s a lot of people with the same issue and different DAWs…???Overall I love my new system. It’s been able to resurrect my love of production.

I was using an old basic USB audio interface combined with a compact analog mixer to try and route all the inputs and outputs I wanted to use. The result was an ugly nest of wires and constant fiddling with knobs to ensure I didn't blow out my speakers when I switched from headphones to monitors.I recently upgraded my work area to a dedicated music desk with built in racks and that encouraged me to look for a rack based solution. I stumbled upon this product and after reading the manual realized that it would be the perfect solution. It had separate headphone and monitor outs and enough inputs that I wouldn't have to juggle things ever again. Audio quality is fantastic of course, but the physical usability is what makes me love it.Absolutely perfect for my needs.

***If you are looking for an industry professional or musician's take, read another review. I am neither.***I write this review with utter sadness, because I bought this after returning the Apollo Solo. That Apollo Solo was so beautiful. Sounded so fantastic. Had features I could only dream about. Sadly, my setup just could not handle it. One day, I will upgrade my hardware that includes a Thunderbolt 3 header. Then I can buy the X4 variant. Then the API and Maag EQ will be waiting for me in my UA account.With that obituary out of the way, let's talk about the Focusrite 8i6.I wanted something I could rackmount, but I did not need 8 mic preamps. I am just one person, and I am not recording a band, or having guests on a podcast or radio show. I am simply messing with "music", even though I am not a musician or audio engineer. I might just put this on a 1u rack shelf, because my space is limited. I encourage Focusrite to make something to make the smaller units rackmountable, even if I have to buy it separately. Thank you in advance.*Features*The features are straightforward. 4 line ins, MIDI, coax, 4 outs, 2 pres, 2 headphone jacks, and maybe some other things I forgot. That leaves plenty of flexibility for my personal setup. The one feature I am really loving is the Focusrite Control software. Very easy to use, and has a loopback feature. That is very nice, because I do not have to resort to Voicemeeter Banana. My setup hates Voicemeeter Banana. So anytime I can avoid that, I am one happy guy. The old 2i2 does not have the loopback feature. So now I can stream without having to use the native Windows drivers to stream.*Price*It's not UA level price, but it is not exactly cheap, either. If you do not need that many inputs or features, you might be better off getting something smaller. However, if you want loop back, etc., make sure you double check what the software offers you! Do not be afraid to look and ask around.*Included software*I am sure some will find the bundled software useful and good. I am sure it is wonderful. However, I have Ableton Live 11 Standard and Studio One 5 Pro. The included Control panel is really nice.*Would I recommend it?*Yes. If it suits your needs. There's lots of interfaces to choose from. The only advice I have for you is, do not fall for the shills or the gear snobs. They are not paying your bills. Always, always get what serves you best, and what is in your budget. The point is to have fun and be productive. Not show the size of your lollipop.

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 is a very solid piece of hardware. I had a hard time wrapping my head around the Focusrite Control software layout. Fortunately my experience of the Focusrite customer service is/was ( AJ Im talkin about you!) absolutely stellar. I highly recommend this device.

GREAT quality. Exactly what I expect from Focusrite. Always works, very low latency, so much better than presonus or any other offerings in its price range!

Es excelente para un músico compositor (que graba ocasionalmente instrumentos y voces). También para músicos de sesión. Incluso para podcast. Cumple con todo lo que promete. Sería grandioso que incluyera un USB-C a USB-C ya que he tenido que usar un adaptador para Mac. Fuera de ello, todo bien.

Muito boa interface de áudio. Recomendo.

Exatamente a qualidade que estava pensando. Produto fantástico, preço acessível e entrega rapidíssima.

Focusright very powerful interface 6 channel 8i6Live performance rich sound