Focusrite

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen is a robust audio interface designed for mid sized project and professional studios alike and offers some significant improvements over its predecessor, boasting excellent audio quality, comprehensive I/O options, and useful features for streamlining the recording process. Price wise, it is more expensive than the previous generation, but the enhanced features and performance justify the investment. Considering the amount of I/O, flexibility and quality for the price, we feel it is a very strong contender in its class as a mid-range audio interface, bridging the gap between budget interfaces, and the more high-end market whilst still providing a solid all-around interface.

Pros:

• Great sounding convertors and plenty of I/O options.
• Convenient Auto Gain and Safe Mode features.
• Re-worked 'Air' mode with harmonic drive option.
• Great routing options and control via Focusrite Control 2 software and mobile app.
• Slick front panel controls and visual feedback.

Cons:

• DC coupled I/O would have been welcome for synth orientated setups.

A lot of you probably own this because you got it free when you bought a Focusrite interface. That's why I have it. Since it was free I really didn't bother with it much for the first half year or so I owned it. But I've been using the EQ and compressor a lot more lately and I quite like both of them. The reverb is okay, but nothing too special, imo. But the compressor specifically is pretty great as a bread and butter track compressor (i.e. not for buses). The gain reduction metering is great, the controls are very easy to use, the interface is pretty good looking. Best of all, the CPU load is reeeeaaaalllly low, which is great for anyone working with an older or relatively underpowered machine.

The simplicity of these plugins is a huge plus. They do what they're supposed to do and they're easy to use.

Excellent little set of plugins, see full video review here (a proper review, not a re-posted promo video) which shows all the plug-in's features in action, including the various Gate trigger options explained and demonstrated as well as an explantion of the low and high eq bands for beginners who may be interested in getting this suite: http://youtu.be/AVCeUeYNT18.