Focusrite Scarlett 18i6

I awards for multiple digital and analog inputs and USB.
I use it mainly with a DBX 386 preamp connected S / PDIF for making voice and a MIDI keyboard.
I'm on windows 7 and no problems noted, it works well.

At least one pair of outputs is missing, it's a shame.

UTILIZATION

The drivers are stable in Windows 7, I use it with Studio One 2, with some processing latency become too big to monitoring through the DAW. So most of the time I use the routing system DSP sound card which is more than enough.

GETTING STARTED

No problem setup, I quickly took over the virtual console that seems pretty well done and complete.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a few months.
I had before a Tascam US122 MKII, scarlett is the best quality in every way and offers more options.
The preamps limited but still good for a product of this type.

Good quality / price ratio, very good value for number of inputs / price

I remake that choice with the same budget, but with a little more, the model just above, offering multiple outputs, is a best choice.

What characteristics have motivated your choice?
the number of entries quality focusrite preamp, the possibilities to connect 8 inputs more.
For what purpose? computer music and miking live July 64 in win

UTILIZATION

Driver stable, no more crashes than my old card (M Audio fast track pro) Latency good in my opionion (5 ms)
I tried recording up to 7 simultaneous track without any worries or crash.
I work in reaper, no problems.

GETTING STARTED

No problem installing the drivers, no incompatibility on win 7 64.
Correct manual, use the mixer quite simple.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 3 months, the quality of the preamps is significantly better than the M audio that I had previously.
What I like least is the lack of switch and rack semi appearance of this card, I would have preferred a more "desktop" with big volume knob ect ... but in this price range for both inputs with preamps correct, there is no real competition except the opportunity motu or older card type fast track ultra.
I did not compare, I trusted the reputation of the company (which a priori makes these preamplifiers)
This card seems like a good buy, it is solid and filled his role well, I would do this choice.

Characteristics that motivated me is the compact (being mobile at the moment), the ADAT, MIDI.
I use it with several apps (cubase, ableton, guitar rig and many standalone) have not yet had any worries stall, despite the USB connection.
I use it to make music, facilitated by the catch combos, allowing me to plug a guitar directly.

UTILIZATION

The drivers are very stable so far I have not had a single worry.
My latency is set to 7 ms in recordings without any cracks.
on the other hand, for mixes, I back down to 20ms (which is the max).

At the maximum number of tracks read, I could not be precise, not often large projects. A priori one 15aine track, no worries.
As for the record, I have not had a chance yet to register groups.

GETTING STARTED

No worries at the installation, no compatibility issues (Windows 7 64-bit).
Configuration extremely easy thereafter.
As for the manual, I did not need to consult it for now, the machine is easy at first.

OVERALL OPINION

I have since the month of June 2011, I had the opportunity to work with a Presonus Firepod time of 10, which are also nice for beginners.

I chose this interface, it is primarily for its portability, the presence of an ADAT input that will allow me to upgrade as needed later.

What I regret, it would be the absence of an ADAT output, for some reason it is not present (perhaps to avoid being too competitive vis-a-vis Saphire Firewire interface), the knobs of preamp, then you have to climb to 3 / 4 before a gain (even with a static).
Last, the power is not USB, so a requirement for power source available in case of exit.

Quality / price ratio great for a good start. It does not take it for a portable studio. Ideal if you're a musician led to many moving to the sound with friends or be able to work virtually anywhere.

I think I would do this choice. This is an interface that suits me fine, with no Firewire available on my laptop, it was the vehicle that best fits what I wanted (I hesitated with an Apogee Duet, but the question was quickly resolved by learning that they were more Windows drivers).
So to summarize, it is an ideal interface to start. Good preamps, transport easy, plug-ins available from hell (continued Scarlett) and nice color, for those who are susceptible.