Focusrite Scarlett 18i6 Soundcard

Focusrite Scarlett 18i6 Soundcard

The Saffire interfaces, though, all hook up to your computer via a Firewire connection. Not only can Firewire devices be a bit choosy about the chip set of the Firewire card installed in your computer, but Firewire also seems to be being phased out by computer manufacturers. We're a long way from Firewire being dead yet, but increasingly manufacturers seem to be offering USB options. Focusrite's new Scarlett range does just that, replacing Firewire with USB 2 as the data communication protocol. I was therefore keen to see how the performance of the Scarlett range compared with their Saffire siblings.

• Four of the best performing Scarlett mic preamps the range has ever heard – now with Air – for miking up guitars or recording vocals
• Two high headroom instrument inputs, for plugging your guitar or bass straight in Eight balanced line inputs, for connecting synths or other line-level audio, and four balanced outputs, for monitoring and effects sends
• Four monitor outs, featuring anti-thump tech and speaker switching