Focusrite Scarlett - the best bang for the buck?

[Bansaw]

I'm looking to get a new audio interface.
The Focusrite Scarlett seem to be highly thought of, and perhaps good value for money.

I am looking for an USB audio interface (I have a Win10 laptop) that gives me decent latency.

Any comments?

[Fergler]

Which model, Scarlett is a series

If you record guitars direct in do not get the 2i2 or under, they don't have 10db pads like the 2i4 and because the preamps are quite hot (a good thing for most mics) you will clip just about any guitar you plug in.

If you're getting the larger 18 input unit, I'd personally go in favour of the Tascam 20x20 because it has excellent drivers and onboard DSP which is the best thing ever for simplifying headphone mix routing. I don't believe the Focusrite has DSP at that level

[Bansaw]

Originally Posted by Fergler

Which model, Scarlett is a series

Its just a basic home setup, so a 2i2 would do, or even a Solo.

[zeekat]

Originally Posted by Fergler

Which model, Scarlett is a series

If you record guitars direct in do not get the 2i2 or under, they don't have 10db pads like the 2i4 and because the preamps are quite hot (a good thing for most mics) you will clip just about any guitar you plug in.

There's 2nd gen 2i2 now, with fixed instrument ins and new drivers. If internet is to be believed, current cheapo Scarletts are rather neat.

[jerome_oneil]

I just bought an 18i8, and while I haven't put anything through it yet, the control software is freaking brilliant.

I'm going to link the SPDIF interface of my old Tascam into this one so I don't have to switch out my mains->amp signal chain. I figured that would be hours of tinkering. Setting it up took about three minutes, and most of that was getting the Tascam to play nice.

It's also built like a tank, and pretty to look at.

[semiquaver]

the Behringer Uphoria UMC204HD and UMC404HD sound better than scarlett and are cheaper. check out convo on Gearslutz.

[apratim]

please can you specify your needs
i mean are you gonna record or just need a clear audio playback

your options

1)for playback only :get any audioquest dragonfly usb dac
2)for light recording :UPHORIA UMC202HD (i use this and damm its good)
3)you know what it will be : get any rme audio interface

Bonus : Native instruments audio interface come with their reputed vst for free

[Bansaw]

Originally Posted by apratim

please can you specify your needs
i mean are you gonna record or just need a clear audio playback

your options

1)for playback only :get any audioquest dragonfly usb dac
2)for light recording :UPHORIA UMC202HD (i use this and damm its good)
3)you know what it will be : get any rme audio interface

Bonus : Native instruments audio interface come with their reputed vst for free

Its largely for good playback latency really. I don't do guitar input or much vocal input. I've got a keyboard and I use some heavy symphonic VSTs.
My main interest is latency playback.

[Bansaw]

I actaully just read this somewhere about the Beringher Uphoria
"This uses the same Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters as the Focsurite 2i4"
So, I assume this means similar latency performance?

[apratim]

ok then get a audioquest dac and expand your ram for those libraries or get a good headphone

[zeekat]

Originally Posted by Bansaw

I actaully just read this somewhere about the Beringher Uphoria
"This uses the same Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters as the Focsurite 2i4"
So, I assume this means similar latency performance?

Nope, a ton of other things decide the latency figures.

[wallace]

Very happy with my 2nd gen Scarlett 18i8.

[afreeman714]

Originally Posted by semiquaver

the Behringer Uphoria UMC204HD and UMC404HD sound better than scarlett and are cheaper. check out convo on Gearslutz.

I just received the uPHORIA 204hd and I am very happy with it, no decernable latency, first time I can record and not have to leave an ear out of my headphones, very easy to set up on windows, (or mac so I've read) recording acoustic with a LDC and guitars preamp yields a great sound, very happy with this unit!