MiniFuse 2 has its own Control Centre software and is bundled with an Intro version of Arturia’s excellent Analog Lab, four effects, Native Instruments Guitar Rig LE, and Ableton Live Lite, plus three-month trial subs to Splice Creator and Auto-Tuner Unlimited. High channel count. Small footprint. Whatever you’re recording, wherever you are, take your whole studio with you. 18i8 is studio sound for the whole band. Audio quality is where ID44 MkII really shines; everything else is icing on the cake, but that icing is layered deep and tastes exceptionally sweet. Clarett+ has improved independent A-D and D-A converters, slightly better noise figures throughout, and improved dynamic range. The mic inputs are silky smooth and have plenty of headroom, and the outputs are crystal clear and suitably noise-free. If you want to add some life to your input, the Air option does just that. Also excellent are the two JFET instrument inputs, substantially better than a regular instrument input.

Audient is gradually upgrading its original generation iD units, and the latest one is the iD24, which replaces the iD22. iD24 is a 10-in/14-out interface with two of Audient’s highly-respected 8024 Class-A mic preamps. It also has a front-mounted JFET-based instrument input, which when plugged up replaces mic input 1.

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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? 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. This is the big brother to the standard SSL2, the main difference being that the 2+ adds two outputs to the 2-in, 2-out configuration of the 2, MIDI In/Out plus an additional independent headphone out (with both being able to monitor different mixes). There's also the 4k button which adds some extra presence and high-end zing (and, more importantly, makes you feel that little bit more 'pro'). Added the ability to choose whether 48V is retained after restarting Scarlett 3rd Generation interfaces. Bundled software includes Presonus Studio One Artist and Studio Magic Software Suite, Ableton Live Lite, so you'll have plenty to get you up and running no matter what your audio interface needs.

Firewire is used in high-end audio boxes and it offers a significantly faster speed compared to USB ports. Thunderbolt The 4i4 supports Focusrite’s Control application, which means that a number of settings can only be made in the software. The app also handles low-latency monitoring.EVO 16 is designed to work in tandem with the EVO software app, and this offers deep control of the unit. Many of EVO 16’s parameters can also be accessed from the front panel using the parameter buttons and main volume, which doubles as an encoder. This is made much simpler thanks to EVO 16’s LCD display. This tiny display is not only crystal clear but easy to view even when you’re way off-axis. We think the one-dial solution is beautifully implemented and overall the design makes both the EVO 4 and 8 clever, compact desktop solutions that sound great. These are great value too, the simplest and cleverest solutions to compact audio interfaces we’ve come across.

Most interfaces are class-compliant, so will work out of the box –just plug them in and start using them straight away. Some come with extra software you will need to access some of their more detailed functions and routing. Many, especially mobile interfaces, are bus-powered so you don't have to plug a mains power supply into them. On the front panel, there's a Neutrik combination input for connecting line and instrument level signals along with the microphones. This makes it the best for recording the digital stage piano along with the electric or acoustic guitar. It's also equipped with unique halo indicators which let you know about the signal strength. If it outputs red then it means your signal is experiencing interference and you should reduce the gain. When a healthy signal is achieved, it will turn to green. It also has a large monitor dial for providing tactile control for volume control. A high-quality amplifier provides clean yet loud sound to your headphones. Thunderbolt connectors are usually found in the audio boxes/interfaces designed for Mac as they have an input thunderbolt port. They offer way faster data transferring speeds compared to both USB and Firewire. PCIE 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. 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.

A compact interface with pro features and connectivity, the SSL2+ promises an affordable version of ‘the SSL sound’, bringing the feel of a gazillion recordings made in 7-figure recording studios within reach of everybody. 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.