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. The specific Input Channel will vary depending on your interface and Sample Rate. Below are the input channels for Scarlett 3rd Gen interfaces at a Sample Rate of 44.1-48kHz. For more information, see the Focusrite Control User Guide for your specific interface. One welcome difference is the new headphone amps, which drive significantly louder (and clearer) than previous generations. 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.

With two independent headphone outputs, both the engineer and recording artist can monitor during the session.

Focusrite Clarett+ 4Pre USB Audio Interface – A Real-World Review

Competition is fierce in this market, and in 2016, Focusrite renewed the Scarlett range to reflect buyers' ever-increasing expectations in terms of sound quality, features and low-latency performance. Three years on, they've repeated the exercise to create the third generation of Scarletts. Wait & C

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.Added the ability to choose whether 48V is retained after restarting Scarlett 3rd Generation interfaces.

New to the Scarlett line is Air, which is an emulation of the sound of Focusrite’s transformer-based mic preamps; it adds a clean brightness to whichever channel you assign it (via Focusrite’s control software). An “Air” LED will light under the knob on the interface to let you know it’s engaged. It’s a nice touch, but I wonder whether you can’t achieve the same effect with post EQ. Air is smooth and adds a nice crispness to vocals, voiceovers and instruments alike, so while I believe in “leaving it flat” (particularly for voiceover recording), I can see why people appreciate it. Adding Air to Scarlett is a nice bonus, and it brings the unit’s capabilities a little closer to the Clarett line. 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. In total, as the name suggests, the Scarlett 18i20 3rd gen has 20 outputs which give you a huge amount of options for recording and monitoring. If your interface does not need a firmware update your interface already has the latest firmware installed, the dialogue box will not appear. Incl. USB cable (type C to A) and Hitmaker Expansion software bundle (Ableton Live Lite, 3 months Splice Sounds membership and Plug-in bundle for songwriting, mixing and mastering)Eight balanced line inputs allow you to connect synthesizers, drum machines and other line-level sources so you’ve got no shortage of recording potential! 20 Outputs In addition, you have two high-headroom instrument inputs so you can record your electric guitar or bass with no clipping or unwanted distortion – just crisp captures of the performance. With its comprehensive connectivity, fantastic features and intuitive included software along with the best preamps ever found in the Scarlett range and improved converters the 3rd generation Scarlett 18i20 could well and truly be the heart of any professional recording studio.