Focusrite Scarlett 4th Gen interfaces

Published 31/8/23

New designs equipped with RedNet converters

Focusrite have announced the launch of the Scarlett 4th Gen range, which contains new versions of their Solo, 2i2 and 4i4 USB audio interfaces, as well as a pair of new Studio bundles. Boasting even better specs than their predecessors, the latest models are equipped with converters from the company’s flagship RedNet range, and come packed with features that promise to deliver unprecedented ease of use.

The Interfaces

Said to be ideal for singer-songwriters, the Scarlett Solo is equipped with a single mic preamp, a Hi-Z instrument input and a headphone output, and also features a re-engineered Air function which offers some varying tonal options thanks to the original all-analogue Presence mode, as well as a new DSP-based Harmonic Drive mode. A pair of line-level outputs are also provided on quater-inch TRS sockets.

The 2i2 doubles the input count and adds switchable line-level/Hi-Z connectivity, as well as introducing new remote controlled preamps and some powerful new features such as Clip Safe and Auto Gain in addition to the Air modes. With the 4i4, users gain all of the functionality of the 2i2, but with two more fixed line-level inputs, an additonal pair of line-level outputs and MIDI I/O on five-pin DIN sockets.

The two Studio packs then offer an all-in-one bundle that combines either a Solo or 2i2 interface with a CM25 MkIII studio capacitor mic and pair of closed-back SH-450 headphones.

New Features

The audio circuitry used in the new interfaces has been completely re-engineered, with the RedNet-derived converters delivering an impressive 120dB dynamic range, and the preamps found in the 2i2 and 4i4 offering 69dB of gain. Auto Gain is capable of setting the ideal recording level after 10 seconds of playing or singing, whilst Clip Safe continuously monitors the input signal and adjusts the gain as necessary, allowing users to concentrate on their performance without worrying about levels. The physical input and output level controls also use an updated version of Focusrite’s Dynamic Gain Halos, which provide detailed visual feedback of signal levels.

Software

An Easy Start tool quickly guides users through the setup procedure, and the interfaces come bundled with Ableton Live Lite and a three-months subscription to Pro Tools Artist. Plug-ins are provided, too, with Focusrite’s Hitmaker Expansion software bundle providing a suite of software processors from the likes of Softube, Native Instruments, Antares and many more. A two-month subscription to Landr Studio is also included, offering music distribution on streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music and TikTok, along with five free masters that can be used at any time.

Focusrite Control 2 software is also included, facilitating remote setup and control of the interfaces’ settings from a PC or Mac. There is also a loopback feature, which allows uses to easily route audio to and from other computer applications for flexible recording and streaming options.