Focusrite has announced the 4th Scarlett 16i16, 18i16, and 18i20, building on the already robust features of the Scarlett range for project studios with increased connectivity, improved preamps and enhanced workflow enhancements.

Focusrite’s 4th generation are a solid recording solution for independent artists, catering to home studios, mobile project studios and professional recording studios.

Packed with newly developed preamps, these digital recoding interfaces offer artists a mid to premium tier option for professional recording with an analog twist.

The new Scarlett range

The Scarlett 16i16 and 18i16 are desktop-format interfaces offering a range of analog and digital I/O.

Focusrite’s 16i16 provides 16 inputs, including two of Focusrite’s newly designed 4th generation preamps and 16 outputs.

Meanwhile, the 18i16 steps up to 18 inputs with four preamps and boasts 16 outputs. Focusrite has designed both of these interfaces for multitrack recording and complex routing scenarios. Consequently, they’re ideal for producers and engineers working in project studio environments.

Focusrite’s flagship, the Scarlett 18i20, is a rack-mountable interface featuring 18 inputs and 20 outputs. The 18i20 features eight of the 4th generation preamps and includes advanced features such as A/B speaker switching, a built-in talkback microphone and eight channels of LED bar metering for monitoring input and output levels.

Compared to the 16i16 & 18i16, the 18i20 is built for professional studio environments with a control room & a live room. Its signal routing allows for various recording scenarios like re-amping while the talkback microphone allows for communication between the artist & producer.

Nevertheless, a key update across all three 4th generation Scarlett’s is Focusrite’s RedNet converters which deliver a whopping 122dB dynamic range. That’s impressive, particularly for home studio interfaces.

Furthermore, each interface features remote-controllable preamps with up to 69dB of gain, Auto Gain and Clip Safe functions to simplify session setup and prevent clipping. These features will undoubtedly help independent artists with minimal recording know-how to secure quality recordings.

A new feature inspired by vintage preamp circuitry is the Harmonic Drive paramater. A desirable trait of analog equipment is colourisation – particularly for bands wanting to sound as if they’re recording at Abbey Road studios.

Now, the 4th gen Scarlett’s Harmonic Drive feature emulates that richness and warmth and prints it on your recordings.

What software is included with a 4th generation Scarlett?

Every new Scarlett model supports Focusrite’s Control 2 app which provides artists with control over the interfaces via desktop or remotely via mobile devices.

The Control 2 app allows you to manage input levels and monitoring setups from anywhere in your studio. If you’re recording on your own or, say, you’re the drummer of your band recording in your studio then you don’t want to be getting up and down each time to adjust levels.

Additionally, the optical S/PDIF and ADAT ports mean you can expand your I/O count and integrate additional interfaces and more gear.

Focusrite also bundles a suite of software with its Scarlett’s. For example, the bundle includes Ableton Live Lite, a three-month subscription to Pro Tools Artist, six months of FL Studio Producer Edition and a collection of virtual instruments and effects from leading developers such as Antares and Softube.

As a result, any artists using free DAWs now buying their first interface can take their pick of three of the most popular DAWs out there. Pro Tools is undoubtedly the best of the bunch for recording artists while Ableton & Fruity Loops are better suited to electronic artists.

Price and availability

Focisrite’s new Scarlett With these new additions, Focusrite reaffirms its commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology while maintaining the affordability and ease of use that have made Scarlett interfaces a staple in studios around the world.

All models are expected to be available by mid-October, continuing Focusrite’s legacy of providing high-quality audio interfaces for a range of users, from hobbyists to professionals.

  • 16i16: $369.99
  • 18i16: $499.99
  • 18i20: $649.99