All user reviews for the Focusrite Scarlett 8i6

I bought it after reading many reviews and talking to some friends, had really good recomendations. I use it for 2 channel recordings in my home studio while making sound effects for videogames, voice over or a couple real instruments to put with the virtual ones in a soundtrack.

Setup is simple, I pretty much just plug any electric instrument straight into the Hi-Z input, or my rode mic in the front pre-amp. I'm using it on a 2014 mac book air i5 1.4GHz, 4GB ram, osx mavericks. Also used it in a mac mini mid 2011 model with 8gb ram, and it works fine on both.

UTILIZATION

Since it works fine with my setup I've never really bothered looking for updates, I like their software for monitoring, latency is low and quite acceptable. I've used it with Reaper 4, Logic 9 and now Logic X, runs smoothly on all of them.

I've never really used all of its inputs at once, though, but with 2 channel recordings I can easily use Logic guitar amp/pedal simulators as well as have a nice vocal chain with EQ, compression and reverb, all in real time while recording, all tweakable later on the mix.

GETTING STARTED

It was pretty much plug and play... well, after installing the monitoring software. Since the basic functions are easy to get working I didn't bother going into the advanced stuff, I just rather do all the monitoring and processing in the DAW, its simpler and fits well my workflow.

OVERALL OPINION

I really like the preamps, they were the main reason why I've bought the interface. They are clean and sound good even if you leave a lot of headroom (peaks of -18dB are totally fine), which is good if you're the type of person that likes to get the signal into your software and then forget that everything in between is even there.

Before this one I had a cheap m-audio interface and with the focusrite it was the first time that I really could tell a BIG difference in sound quality from what I was doing before. At some point, if you keep working a lot and start listening to other more expensive interfaces, you'll probably want to move on, either for a specific set of features, more channels, or (even) better pre-amps. But for sure, if you're coming from a cheaper interface (or even if you're looking for your first one) this little focusrite will definitely help you get really good recordings for not much money. Absolutely recommended.

This product has given me satisfaction for over a year I did a good job with good preamps, I've done my acoustic cello multitrack projects. However I had to change to Mac and from Mac OSX 9 new Mavericks is a disaster!

Crashes fixed after downloading the latest driver updated in December 2013: Scarlet MixControl 1.7.128 then noises and random behavior of the audio interface making it impossible to record. Even after the advice of the technical support Focusrite installed a "class_compliant.app" that does not solve much. What is clear is that the support is insufficient, not serious for such a prestigious brand

UTILIZATION

Instability, drivers not really updated. Lack of serious support side. This should not happen

GETTING STARTED

therefore, incompatible with Macs Mavericks last system

OVERALL OPINION

After-sales service: zero or you call in the UK!

Purchase this occasion card, allowing for 4 analog inputs at low prices. Rennomée good brand, so I chose this model.

I Branche this card on a laptop with 8 64-bit win, no problem to install, everything is available online (I did not have the original CD), download quickly and easily.

I connect over my RC-50 looper guitar to save voice mixed. If I want more hand, I plug directly sm58 and guitar, if I want more quality, I plug the static and guitar and I each one to acquisitions.

I intend to use assi for recording a choir:

Couple cigars ORTF microphone preamps on the card, voice 3: a threeQ with a condenser microphone for soloists, voice 4: guitar accompanying.

UTILIZATION

At the moment, the drivers are very stable, I plug, remove the card without turning off the pc, it was without flinching.

The latency seems low, but I do not have enough perspective to judge in detail the quality of the beast on his and latency.

GETTING STARTED

No setup or compatibility with 8 64-bit win problem.

The manual is clear and simple, no big keypad.

The interface for routing inputs and outputs is very complete.
You can not separate the outputs 3 and 4 of the headphone output, it's a shame, we need to know, but it is not necessarily serious.

OVERALL OPINION

few days of use, it is efficient, stable. I have no point of comparison to support a more detailed description.

I find the level headphone sometimes a little light, I have not much underfoot live monitoring during my recordings. To play a soundtrack, no worries, but listening to a power input signal, I find it light, and if you push too much input level, that clip. Perhaps a good compressor head could arrange something to follow.

I think used, it makes very good service, half the price of a new card.
I remake that choice.

The number of inputs and outputs are at my convenience. I do not, unwanted preamps. I returned after a preamp DBX. Or SPDIF with a POD HD-500. I use it to store my stuff that nobody else listening! My demos to me ...

UTILIZATION

No problem drivers. Very stable. I do not understand this latency problem mentioned. The 8i6 is better than all the cards I've owned including good old Hoontech rack, the Waveterminal the konnekt24d and konnekt desktop6 and the card embedded POD. I record two tracks at a time max to get among 15 and 20 at the end. instrumentals with VST plugins and pagailles. Gently with a 3-Core AMD, 8 gigs of RAM, I can 4.6ms latency, it should be possible to do better but is it really useful? The buffers are also adjustable from mixing software provided. For cons, the following plug-ings .... I tried them for fun, I have not dug the question ... they seem to do their job and have a nice look ... I use other that I master properly (each with its little habits). No problem cracking either by turning the knobs. The card is a parallelepiped scrap that inspires confidence.

GETTING STARTED

Go to site focusrite take the latest drivers. it is written in big letters on a paper wheel that is discovered by opening the box. The global configuration is simple. you can have virtual outputs which in my opinion are not useful when using a sequencer software seriously. The manual is also downloadable in case ....

OVERALL OPINION

I use it every day for a month. I am satisfied with the quality made for a very decent price. Unfortunately no DSP on the 8i6.
A very good little card. Well I leave you, now that I have the card I lack more than inspiration! and ca ... this is another story ....

Config house

UTILIZATION

drivers are stable, do not worry at this level it collects good
at the latency is a fair bit, it exceeds 10 ms faster not to cross because in theory audible ....

GETTING STARTED

Trouble-free installation, the setup is classic ...

OVERALL OPINION

I tested a month, I did not like the preamps. The leaves manufacture desired crackling when acting on the knobs, the knobs not tightened, one feels fragile ... No switch! The sound is not bad but I knew better now though, obviously at this price you can not ask too much but it is not for me. It remains a correct product for amateur.

The Scarlett 8i6 has not been out for a long time so it is difficult to say how well it will run and how the drivers will be updated in the near future. But so far every single part of this interface seems to work great and it is well built. It connects to your computer through USB and it is a 6 in and 6 out interface (you can record 6 tracks simultaneously) with 2 mic preamps.

UTILIZATION

The Scarlett 8i6 comes with a Focusrite software called MixControl, this software is decent but I don’t think it is anything that you should make the decision whether or not your want this interface over. I hardly ever use that software, I used it a lot within the first week I had the 8i6 but then after that it was no use to me. The Scarlett 8i6 also comes with Ableton Live Lite 8 in case you are in need of a DAW and sequencer. You will have everything you need right out of the box to start making music and recording right away.

GETTING STARTED

So far the drivers are stable, and the manual is easy to understand. It comes in PDF format. I have not seen a hard copy of the manual. All of the basic functions of the Scarlett 8i6 are easy to understand and use. It could take some time setting everything up if you are going to install the interface all of the plug-ins and Ableton Live Lite 8. But once you get it up and running you will be happy.

OVERALL OPINION

This interface is solid, well built and with a decent preamp. The issue is that there are other interfaces that are similar to this one that are FireWire and will give you lower latency issues. When using the Scarlett 8i6 you will be able to tell you are having some latency issues during certain projects. For some of us this is a deal breaker.

I wanted an external digital audio interface to connect a main master keyboard and midi control my DAW on my PC.
Not disappointed at all (after a few setbacks related to driver ... see more)
latency for the master keyboard input is 22ms and 34ms output, in other words very satisfing.I am not currently using the input combo jack / XLR on the front and I have not tested them ...
I was waiting for its release for a while, Focusrite's reputation is well established pense. I am very satisfied with the product, it's solid, the knobs are good.For me it lacks a power button on / off .

UTILIZATION

for short, it is necessary to go to the official website Focusrite in the help section and follow the configuration instructions to optimize your operating system, be it XP, Vista and Seven ...
I slaved a few days before you go, the pilot always planted after a few minutes which is very énervant.j 've followed all the advice given on the site (in English ....) and from the driver like the road! more no worries it works great!

GETTING STARTED

Straightforward implementation, documentation is a bit brief for my taste but everything is on the site. (In English ...)

OVERALL OPINION

It's been over a month I use it, connected to the output of a 250ohm Beyer Dynamic headphones, really nothing to say ... it's very good for the ears!
Also tested stereo output on an old Sony amp more than 15 years ca breath away!
I had a PCI M-Audio before I was happy but I wanted an external interface, I would do without this choice problem.
Following VST Plug comes with is excellent as much by design as by its efficiency.
In short you can do with this little entry-level interface of virtual audio pro (with the rest around of course!).