The next generation of Focusrite Scarlett
Published: PRODUCTS
Having recently partnered with Avid, a new arrival has been announced by Focusrite. The Scarlett USB audio interface family has grown with the second generation of Scarlett USB audio interfaces, which will ship with Avid’s Pro Tools First digital audio software as part of the Focusrite Creative Pack.
With the inclusion of the free version of Avid Pro Tools, Scarlett gains an additional 12 plugins. Also added in the software side with the new generation of USB interfaces is Ableton Live Lite as well as Softube’s Time and Tone bundle.
This second generation of Scarlett offers six interfaces and two studio pack bundles, with improvements including the manufacturer’s ‘fastest USB performance yet’. The number of inputs and outputs for each interface model remains the same as in the first generation versions. However, there are reportedly a number of changes beneath the new metal gain controls and red metal chassis.
A more linear gain structure has been added to Scarlett’s mic preamps, while the range now operates up to sample rates of 192kHz according to the manufacturer. Analogue protection circuitry has been added to the inputs and outputs to safeguard the interfaces from power surges, while the instrument input has been upgraded with increased headroom.