The Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 3rd Gen is a professional USB audio interface that is part of the third generation of one of the most popular lines of sound cards - Scarlett. This model is the middle option in the series and offers an optimal number of inputs and outputs for both home use and efficient operation in small recording studios. This revision has significantly improved technical characteristics for all parameters, an updated and enhanced interface, and overall device stability.
The 24-bit converters responsible for analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion support sampling frequencies up to 192 kHz. This allows for audio recording in the most modern and high-quality format, which facilitates less destructive digital signal post-processing and contains a wealth of information that contributes to sound detail. The frequency range of the sound system spans from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and the dynamic range exceeds 100 dB, providing a full and rich tonal quality.
The model is equipped with two inputs located on the front panel, which can accept microphone, line, and instrument signals. These inputs are made on Combo Jack/XLR connectors and are equipped with 48V phantom power for condenser microphones and attenuators capable of reducing a "hot" input signal by 10 dB. The Air mode feature, when activated, emulates the sound of the vintage Focusrite ISA transformer preamplifier, adding airiness and transparency to the tone and enriching high frequencies with harmonics. The gain controls for these channels are equipped with 3-color input level indication, allowing for quick detection of clipping at the input, and the incoming audio signal can be amplified up to +56 dB. There are also four additional line inputs located on the rear of the housing. These inputs do not have volume control and are presented on 1/4'' Jack TRS connectors. Two additional input and output channels will be available via the S/PDIF digital interface, which is implemented on RCA connectors.
The interface features four balanced analog line outputs, implemented on 1/4'' Jack TRS connectors, which can be used to connect two monitor lines. The same connectors are used for the two headphone outputs, which are equipped with their own volume controls. The audio interface offers zero-latency direct monitoring, with a button to activate this mode located on the front panel. For transmitting MIDI information to various devices, there is a MIDI interface with input and output on standard 5-pin connectors. Connection to a computer or laptop on macOS or Windows platforms is via a high-speed USB-C bus. The free Focusrite Control program allows for flexible routing and functionality adjustment for all channels. This sound card is powered by a 12V DC adapter.
The Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 3rd Gen is a professional USB audio interface capable of recording audio in the highest quality formats, easy to use and configure, and equipped with a wide range of connectivity options, including digital options. The housing is a robust metal construction that protects the internal components of the device from damage during use. The package includes accessories such as a power adapter, USB-C to USB-A cable, and licensing keys for activating various software for music production. Included software programs are Ableton Live Lite and Pro Tools First, plugin bundles from Focusrite and Softube, as well as the XLN Audio Addictive Keys virtual instrument, which provides access to any four presets.
Features:
- Professional external USB audio interface
- 24-bit/192 kHz ADC/DAC
- 2 microphone/line/instrument inputs with phantom power and attenuators
- 4 line inputs without input volume control
- 4 balanced line outputs, 2 independent headphone outputs
- Full MIDI interface with input and output
- S/PDIF digital interface offers 2 additional input and output channels
- Air mode for inputs 1-2, emulating the sound of Focusrite ISA transformer preamps
- Zero-latency direct monitoring
- USB-C connection to a computer
- All functions can be configured using Focusrite Control software
- Includes licensing keys for activating multiple music production programs and plugins
Specifications:
- 8 inputs and 6 outputs
- ADC/DAC: 24-bit/192 kHz
- Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- Maximum input level: +9 dBu (mic in), +22 dBu (line in), +18 dBu (line in, fixed gain), +12.5 dBu (inst in)
- Maximum output level: +15.5 dBu (line out, 0 dBFS), +7 dBu (phones out)
- Input impedance: 3 kΩ (mic in), 60 kΩ (line in), 44 kΩ (line in, fixed gain), 1.5 MΩ (inst in)
- Output impedance: 430 Ω (line out), <1 Ω (phones out)
- Harmonic distortion: <0.0012% (mic in), <0.002% (line in/line out/phones out), <0.03% (inst in)
- Gain range: +56 dB (mic/line/inst in)
- Dynamic range: 111 dB (mic in), 110.5 dB (line in), 110 dB (inst in), 108 dB (line out), 104 dB (phones out)
- Equivalent input noise: -128 dB (mic in)
- Effects: Air mode (ISA transformer amp emulation)
- Attenuator: -10 dB for channels 1-2
- Analog inputs: 2 x Combo Jack/XLR mic/line/inst in, 4 x 1/4'' Jack TRS line in (fixed gain)
- Analog outputs: 4 x 1/4'' Jack TRS balanced line out, 2 x 1/4'' Jack TRS phones out
- Digital inputs: 1 x RCA S/PDIF in
- Digital outputs: 1 x RCA S/PDIF out
- MIDI interface: 1 x 5-pin DIN MIDI in,