- We go over the new features and review each of the units.
- Is it worth upgrading from 2nd gen to 3rd gen Scarlett? Find out below.
- Check out our recent review of the Scarlett 4th Generation here.
- Scroll to the bottom of the article to view our full scoring breakdown.
The World’s Best-Selling Audio Interface Gets An Upgrade
With the release of the new third-generation range of audio interfaces, Focusrite shows no plans in slowing down on their quest to provide affordable, easy to use and high-quality audio products for beginners and professionals alike.
Popular with musicians, podcasters, and other audio enthusiasts who need great sound at a great price point, it’s hard to see Focusrite taking a backseat anytime soon.
We look at the new range of products and give our thoughts below.
Spec Differences Between The 2nd & 3rd Gen Scarlett Interfaces
As you can see from the table above, there are some noticeable improvements in the 3rd Gen. All specs considered, the inputs and outputs benefit from a wider dynamic range, gain ranges, and higher input and output levels.
What Else Is New In The 3rd Gen?
But what else is new? Before we dive deep into the individual units themselves, here’s a quick overview.
- Previous USB 2.0 type–B sockets have been replaced with type‑C connectors.
- Additional input and output configurations.
- Newer, better drivers and updated software.
- A cleaner, louder headphone amp driver.
- ‘Direct Monitor’ buttons now offer a switch to control ‘mono’ and ‘stereo’ summing.
- Air Button, which activates an emulation of the classic ISA mic preamps.
- Full native support for USB-C iPad Pro (Announced June 16, 2020)
Our Verdict On The Focusrite 3rd Gen
Focusrite has done a great job with the new 3rd generation interfaces. While first glances may give the impression that they are just a prettier version of their former selves, the real magic lies under the hood. This is evident in many of the upgrades listed above.
Bundling various DAWs and sample providers such as Splice also adds to their evident care for the user, and is why Focusrite have become a mainstay in budget-friendly pro audio equipment.
The Full Reviews
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen comes with balanced TRS outputs, which ensures the elimination of noise and hum when connecting speakers with balanced inputs. This interface is compact, buss-powered, and features two inputs — one for microphone and one for instrument — perfect for the on-the-go musician, vlogger or podcaster.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen
Improves on the generation 2 model with 2 upgraded Scarlett mic preamps, high-performance AD/DA converters, optimized preamp gain structure, super-low latency, and 2 high headroom instrument inputs — at the time of writing, this budget-friendly little number is the world’s number one selling audio interface.
Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen
Replaces the Scarlett 2i4 and features four balanced line inputs and four balanced outputs for monitoring and fx sends. It is a great intermediate interface that allows for expanding your setup with extra connectivity whilst remaining at a wallet-friendly price.
Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 3rd Gen
Replaces Scarlett 6i6. Like the 4i4, it features two combined instrument and mic inputs, dual headphone outs, gain halos, S/PDIF I/Os, MIDI Input and Output, plus a further four inputs for line-level instruments — 8-in 6-out makes this an excellent audio interface for the hardware-based musician.
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen
Features 4 mic inputs, 8 balanced line inputs, 4 balanced outputs, 2 high headroom instrument inputs, and 4 monitor outs for dual monitor speaker switching — another excellent choice for band practice or the hardware-centric producer.
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen
Rack-mountable + dual ADAT connectors allow you to expand your setup with up to 8 additional channels. An onboard mic with a talkback function, 18 inputs, 20 outputs, 8 mic pre’s with Air mode option, and dual monitor outs make this the heart of your studio — the backbone for just about any application. The Kraken has been awoken.
Looking to get into music production but don’t know where to begin? Start with these 5 Free DAWS.
Focusrite Scarlett 3rd Gen Features & Improvements
Build Quality
Focusrite has marketed the Scarlett range in the ‘budget’ league of soundcards, though have received tremendous success as they can afford to cut costs without sacrificing quality. The XLR ports, buttons, and dials all feel well-build, and the chassis, despite being part-plastic, feels rock solid. The 3rd gen continues this streak with high attention to build quality, and not much can be said in comparing the two gens — they are both solid iterations.
Focusrite Scarlett 3rd Gen Preamps and ‘Air Mode’
Focusrite claims that the 3rd generation Scarlett interfaces are characterized by high gain values and low noise. Making mic preamps since 1985 (Rupert Neve founded the company until being sold to Phil Dudderidge in 1989), they have skin in the game regarding developing high-end gear.
Focusrite claims the 3rd Generation mic pre is the best the Scarlett range has ever seen.
Your recordings will shine with professional clarity with its 24-bit/192kHz converters. At the same time, Air mode (also present in the Clarett USB range but works slightly differently) emulates the famous boost in the mid-high frequency range — adding unique high-end detail, which was a renowned characteristic of Focusrite’s original ISA mic preamp at the famous AIR Studios.
In my experience, when trying this out, the ‘Air effect’ has a presence that is felt more than heard. Regardless, it is a welcome addition that many users will no doubt embrace in their recordings.
Audio Improvements and Latency
The 3rd gen Scarlett’s feature super-low latency lets you monitor with native plug-in effects in real-time. If you wish to monitor your input directly with guaranteed low latency, you can flip the brand new ‘direct monitor’ circuit switch.
The Dynamic Range figure is around 110dB across the 3rd gen series for line, mic and instrument inputs (an improvement on the 2nd gen’s 106-109dB).
The overall Gain Range has also been improved from 50dB to 56dB, not to mention high headroom instrument inputs, additional line-level inputs for flexible recording setups and routing, plus balanced TRS outputs to eliminate speaker hum and interference.
Loopback Functionality
The loopback feature was previously only offered on the Focusrite Saffire Pro range (except the one-off 1st generation Scarlett 8i6), so it is an excellent addition to the already 3rd solid generation line.
Previously, the was a workaround using the SPDIF in/out (on Scarlett interfaces with SPDIF in/out). You could loop a cable from the SPDIF output to the SPDIF input on the Scarlett and achieve similar functionality to loopback with no degradation to the signal (since it remains a digital signal).
Loopback allows you to combine stereo material with any hardware inputs or software playback channels, using two virtual inputs — useful for those doing podcasts, live streaming, and sampling, to name a few.
Software and Drivers
Now let’s talk rustproofing. These Coleco’s will rust up on you like that software and drivers.
One of the hyped features of the new Scarlett range seems to be the incorporation of Focusrite’s new ‘Quick Start’ process, which is ‘designed to help those who need it to get up and running quicker and easier than ever before’.
Essentially, this is a highly streamlined registration process full of simple step-by-step’s and instructional videos.
The step-by-step guide walks you through the supplied virtual instruments, plug-ins, and sample-content installation before giving you the option of how you would like to set up the interface based on how you plan to use it. This is a fantastically streamlined approach to giving customers the fastest and most effective path to getting down to business as soon as possible.
Whether you are an in-the-box producer or a musician recording with external instruments, Focusrite lays out your best connectivity options regardless of your chosen scenario.
What Is Focusrite Control?
The Focusrite Control software allows you to set up main global device parameters such as mixing and routing options, clock, and various inputs and assignable functions for Air mode.
Like the Quick Start process, the Focusrite Control software has been optimized for ease of use. Setting up your desired routing feels like a walk in the park compared to a number of other similarly priced and/or spec’d brands in the industry.
Focusrite Plug-in Collective
A welcome bonus for owners is the excellent membership for the Focusrite Plug-in Collective — access to free software downloads and generous discounts every two months. If that’s not enough for you, every Scarlett interface comes with a whole range of software tools including:
- Ableton® Live Lite™
- Pro Tools® | First Focusrite Creative Pack
- Free three-month Splice Sounds subscription
- XLN Audio Addictive Keys
- Focusrite Red Plug-In Suite
- Softube Time & Tone Bundle.
Last but not least — 2 years warranty with every purchase. I know this seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many companies do not offer this… or even close.
Is It Worth The Upgrade?
The upgraded specs and added features are welcome additions, and we think they’ve done well to remain competitive. That being said, if you’ve only recently bought a 2nd gen interface — we wouldn’t worry.
The new ‘Air Mode’ and mono/stereo flips are lovely additions, but unless you really need them, you’ll do just fine with the 2nd gen. However, we recommend picking up the 3rd gen instead of the 2nd gen if you are a first-time buyer.
One welcome difference is the new headphone amps, which drive significantly louder (and clearer) than previous generations.
Both generations are perfect for the entry-to-mid-level bedroom producer looking to get ideas down quickly and efficiently, with decent preamps and great sound.
If you are just starting with music production, we recommend shopping around for a bundle that helps you save some serious cash.
Final Thoughts
Focusrite has done a great job with the new 3rd generation interfaces. While first glances may give the impression that they are just a prettier version of their former selves, the real magic lies under the hood. This is evident in many of the upgrades:
- Air mode implementation
- Additional inputs
- Top-of-the-line preamps
- Reduced latency
- Heightened dynamic range; and
- An overall push is to make the whole user experience as streamlined and user-friendly as possible.
The price point is very fair and seems to be in the same ballpark as its predecessors, despite receiving many noticeable upgrades, which seems to be a logical way to retain a loyal customer base.
Hi all!
I am an exclusively software based (DAW) music writer. I write for the orchestra or solo instruments and orchestra.
I appreciate Pip Dolan’s write-up about the 3rd generation Scarletts, however, he never branches out to people who write music like me. Further, he mentions that the output of the headphone amps is stronger and clearer, however, my question would be whether they are good enough for mixing on headphones for larger instrument ensembles. I know, headphone mixing is not generally recommended, but in my case I have no choice, living in a small apartment.
Could he, please, enlighten me a bit?
Thank you, best, John.
Hey John, appreciate the question.
The Scarletts, or most interfaces for that matter, are not really built with the intention to serve a specific genre, i.e. orchestras. The Scarlett, as with most audio interfaces out there — caters to producers of all genres. Some audio interfaces will contain more or fewer I/Os, which makes them suit band recordings/multitrack better — but that’s really about it.
Anyway, as your question relates to purely home studio mixing, in-the-box, and working with soft synths, the short answer is that yes, the Scarletts (any of the generations) will be more than enough to cater for your larger instrument ensemble needs.
What’s more important for you in your situation, are the specs of your computer. The Scarletts are super-low latency, so if you do find you are having dropouts, audio pops, etc — it’s more than likely going to be an issue to do with the overall computer specs. Writing with loads of channels of CPU-intensive orchestra libraries and VSTs will take its toll on your computer’s resources, regardless of how low latency the audio interface is.
Regarding the headphone output, yes you’ll be absolutely fine. The Scarlett preamps are extremely capable, and you’ll find that the headphones you’re mixing through are going to be the driving factor whether you can produce capable mixes.
Hope that helps.
I plan to have the 2i2 to record my podcast episodes. I am here to see whether there is a clear statement that states it is Android & iOS class-compliant. THanks for the review.
Hi Muhaimin,
Updated two days ago on Focusrite Help Center:
Can I use my bus-powered Scarlett with an iPad?
Applies to: Scarlett Solo, 2i2, 2i4, 4i4
The Scarletts are class-compliant audio interfaces. This means that it can use the core audio driver built into iOS. While not officially tested or supported, we would expect the Scarletts to work with an iPad.
In addition to the included USB cable, in order to connect your Scarlett to an iPad, you will need:
A powered USB hub (to power the device. The iPad cannot power the Scarletts)
An official Apple USB camera adapter (e.g. Apple Lighting to USB 3 camera adapter)
They don’t mention Android but the Scarlett 2i4 2nd gen and the 4i4 3rd gen both work well in linux. I have both.
Thank you for the review.
I bought a 4i4 3rd and gave my 2i4 2nd gen to my son (end of october 2020). I needed the 2 extra inputs for a small mixer (for three external synths).
Tje panel control is quite handy but it may be confusing for beginners. I still have problems on windows. It sometimes crashes. This morning I had to reset the panel to factory defaults many times to get a sound. Ok in the afternoon. Jet lag? Probably an unstable windows driver.
I can’t say if the sound is better.
Latency wise: Focusrite points out: Scarlett 2nd and 3rd gen all abide by the USB 2 protocol. Plugging it in a usb3 slot does nothing more. It does not show as a usb3 device. I compared latency measures given on the Net for a 2i2 3rd gen with my 2i4 2nd gen. The latencies were lower on the 2i4 2nd gen.
So upgrade if you need the two extra inputs.
Is the popping when turning the computer on fixed? Can I play from my speakers without turning on computer in some way?
Thanks!
John
Hi 👋
I bought a 3rd generation Scarlett last year.
There is always a question in my mind;
If Scarlett has so many good functions in converters and preamps, why (with a low price and good build quality) doesn’t everyone in music production buy Scarlett??
And is the sound quality really the best?
2/ Scarlet in the category:
elementary
medium
Semi-professional
professional ;
Where does it stand?
SPECIAL THANK YOU 🙏🏻
when is the 3rd Generation Control being updated like Gen4? the 3rd gen control is not very good.