Description
The Focusrite Scarlett 16i16 4th Gen is a powerful and versatile USB audio interface that serves as an ideal central hub for project studios, home recording enthusiasts, and bands. It provides a generous amount of I/O in a compact desktop format, incorporating the latest features and technology from Focusrite’s celebrated fourth-generation Scarlett line.
Key Features and Highlights:
- 16-in/16-out Connectivity: The “16i16” in the name signifies its extensive I/O count. It features a combination of analog and digital inputs and outputs, including:
- 2 x Mic/Line/Inst Preamps on the front panel
- 4 x Line Inputs on the rear panel
- ADAT I/O (8 channels)
- S/PDIF I/O (2 channels)
- MIDI I/O
- 4 x Line Outputs
- 2 x Independent Headphone Outputs This comprehensive I/O makes it a very flexible interface for recording multiple instruments, connecting outboard gear, and managing a complex studio setup.
- 4th-Generation Scarlett Preamps: The two main preamps are from Focusrite’s new 4th-generation design. They are ultra-low-noise and offer a massive 69 dB of gain, which is more than enough to get a clean, strong signal from even low-output dynamic microphones like the Shure SM7B without an external preamplifier.
- Exceptional Audio Quality: The interface is equipped with the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship RedNet interfaces. It provides a huge 122 dB of dynamic range and can record at up to 24-bit/192 kHz, ensuring professional-grade clarity and detail in your recordings.
- Auto Gain & Clip Safe: These new “smart” features are designed to streamline your workflow and prevent ruined takes.
- Auto Gain automatically sets the perfect recording level for you in seconds.
- Clip Safe monitors your levels up to 96,000 times per second and automatically adjusts the gain to prevent clipping, ensuring that every take is a keeper.
- Re-engineered “Air” Mode: The classic “Air” mode has been upgraded with two settings. Presence adds a high-end boost for vocal clarity, while a new Harmonic Drive mode adds rich, vintage-style saturation for warmth and character.
- Independent Headphone Outputs: The two independent, high-power headphone outputs are a fantastic feature for tracking with an artist. You can provide two completely separate mixes, so the engineer and the performer can each have their own custom mix.
- Focusrite Control 2: The new and improved software for desktop and mobile devices provides intuitive control over routing, levels, and monitor mixes. You can even control the preamps remotely from your phone, which is very convenient when you’re in a different room from the interface.
- Bus-Powered: The 16i16 can be powered by its USB-C connection, though a separate power supply is included and recommended for stable operation with many connected devices.
