Focusrite announces three new Scarlett interfaces for project studios, completing the fourth-generation range

Focusrite has announced an expansion to the Scarlett range of audio interfaces, completing the line's fourth generation. The three new additions, Scarlett 16i16, 18i16, and 18i20, complement the existing range with greater connectivity to meet the demands of the modern project studio.

Scarlett 's fourth generation introduced several major advances that build on Focusrite 's legacy in professional audio: best-in-class audio specifications, enhanced creative capability, powerful workflow tools and more. The three new interfaces add more analogue inputs and outputs, front-panel monitor switching and mute control, S/PDIF and ADAT connectivity, additional headphone outputs, and a built-in talkback mic on Scarlett 18i20.

Focusrite Scarlett 4th Gen 16i16, 18i16, and 18i20 now feature:

• 122dB dynamic range, using the flagship RedNet range converters.
• All-new, remote-controlled preamps with 69dB of gain for studio sound from any mic.
• Pair Focusrite Control 2 for desktop with Focusrite's new mobile app; enjoy full wireless control over inputs and monitoring mixes, allowing the adjustment of settings without being tethered by cables.
• Re-engineered Air mode with Presence, and all-new Harmonic Drive, adding rich harmonics to recordings by emulating the characteristics of vintage preamps.
• New Auto Gain and Clip Safe modes can handle up to eight microphones at a time, making session setup simple.
• Brand-new Custom-designed headphone amps for the best playback ever heard from Scarlett.
• Redesigned Dynamic Gain Halos now with output as well as input metering.
• Professional studio features included: A/B speaker switching, built-in talkback mic on 18i20 and more.
• MIDI in /out plus S/PDIF, and ADAT in/out.
• Refreshed Easy Start tool, making it easier than ever to get set up and recording in minutes.
• Includes Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools Artist 3 months, and FL Studio Producer Edition 6 months.
• Huge bundle of plug-in instruments and effects; including Antares Auto Tune, Marshall Amp Modelling, synths, keys, drums, EQ, compression, reverb, and more...

Three new Scarlett interfaces

Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen, an update to the flagship 3rd Gen model, is a rack-mountable USB audio interface featuring 18 inputs, including eight advanced fourth-generation Scarlett preamps, and 20 outputs. 18i20 also features additional workflow enhancements that make it a perfect fit for even the most complex project studios: a built-in talkback mic; A/B speaker switching for instant referencing on different monitors; and eight channels of LED bar metering, assignable to inputs or outputs as well as master output metering.

Scarlett 18i16 is a desktop-format USB audio interface with 18 inputs, including four 4th Gen Scarlett preamps and 16 outputs. Ideal for multitrack recording and designed for producers. It makes an ideal hub to integrate hardware with a DAW, providing enough analogue and digital I/O to connect a huge number of external instruments, processors, and effects. Plus, manage complex routing with ease via the included Focusrite Control 2 software for desktop and mobile devices.

Scarlett 16i16 is a desktop-format USB audio interface which shares the same feature set as 18i16 but is slightly more compact, with 16 inputs, including two 4th Gen Scarlett preamps, and 16 outputs.

Pricing: These interfaces will be available beginning mid-October 2024 with U.S. pricing as follows (USD; excluding tax):

• Scarlett 18i20: $649.99 at Sweetwater or Thomann
• Scarlett 18i16: $499.99 at Sweetwater or Thomann
• Scarlett 16i16: $369.99 at Sweetwater or Thomann