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Average Price: $246
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Description
The Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 USB Audio Interface is designed for musicians and producers looking to expand their creative capabilities with a reliable and versatile tool. This third-generation Scarlett interface offers pristine sound quality and seamless integration into any studio setup. With its compact design, the Scarlett 8i6 provides the perfect balance between portability and professional performance.
Equipped with high-performance 24-bit/192kHz AD-DA converters, this audio interface ensures that every detail of your sound is captured with clarity and precision. Whether you're recording vocals, instruments, or podcasts, the Scarlett 8i6 delivers exceptional audio fidelity. Its dual mic preamps, featuring Focusrite's acclaimed Air mode, bring your recordings to life by adding a unique high-end detail that is often found in high-end studio gear.
The Scarlett 8i6 is also equipped with a range of connectivity options, including two combination inputs, four line inputs, and four balanced outputs, making it flexible for various recording scenarios. Its intuitive software bundle, including Ableton Live Lite and a suite of Focusrite plug-ins, enhances your production process, offering endless creative possibilities.
Key Features:
- USB audio interface with high-performance 24-bit/192kHz AD-DA converters
- Two Focusrite preamps with switchable Air mode for added high-end detail
- Six inputs and six outputs, including two combination inputs, four line inputs, and four balanced outputs
- Compatible with both PC and Mac
- Includes Ableton Live Lite and Focusrite's Red Plug-in Suite
- Loopback feature for easy streaming and podcasting
- Low latency performance for real-time monitoring
Product specs
| Brand | Focusrite |
| Model | Scarlett 8i6 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface |
| Finish | Red / Black |
| Year | 2019 - 2025 |
| Made In | United Kingdom |
| Categories | Audio Interfaces |
| Bit Depth | 24-bit |
| Bus-Powered | No |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS |
| Computer Connectivity | USB |
| Digital Input Format | S/PIDF |
| Digital Output Format | S/PIDF |
| Electronics | Analog, Digital, Solid State |
| Format | Desktop Standalone |
| Number of Analog Inputs | 6 |
| Number of Analog Outputs | 4 |
| Number of Channels | 14 |
| Number of Digital Inputs | 2 |
| Number of Digital Outputs | 2 |
| Number of Headphone Outputs | 2 |
| Number of MIDI Inputs | 1 |
| Number of MIDI Outputs | 1 |
| Number of Mic Preamps | 2 |
| Sample Rate | 192 khz |
| Simultaneous I/O | 8 x 6 |
FAQs
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What are the main connectivity options for the Focusrite Scarlett 8i6?
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The Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 offers USB connectivity for seamless integration with both Windows and macOS systems. It features 6 analog inputs, 4 analog outputs, 2 digital S/PDIF inputs and outputs, and MIDI input/output, making it versatile for various recording setups.
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Is the Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 compatible with popular DAWs like Ableton Live and Pro Tools?
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Yes, the Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 is compatible with most major DAWs, including Ableton Live and Pro Tools, providing flexibility for different recording and production workflows.
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Does the Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 require an external power supply?
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Yes, the Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 is not bus-powered and requires an external power supply, which is included with the interface.
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How many mic preamps does the Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 have?
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The Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 is equipped with two high-quality mic preamps, offering clean and detailed audio capture for microphones.
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What is the maximum sample rate supported by the Focusrite Scarlett 8i6?
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The Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 supports a maximum sample rate of 192 kHz, ensuring high-resolution audio recording and playback.
Videos
Trevor Swayne
How to use the Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 3rd Gen and the Focusrite Control software with Ableton Live
Reviews
PROS
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Plug and play, easy setup
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4 outputs for multiple monitor setups
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MIDI In & Out for routing gear to DAW
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Compatible with SPDIF for additional inputs
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Sturdy build quality and attractive design
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Simultaneous recording of multiple inputs in DAW
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Low latency on both Windows OS and Mac OS
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Helpful setup videos from Focusrite
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Good sound quality at an affordable price
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Preamp and A/D converter perform well for the price
CONS
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Only 2 of the inputs have preamps and XLR inputs
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Power plug can become worn and unreliable over time
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Drivers slower than competitors, may need ASIO4ALL for better latency
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 USB Audio Interface.
Features and functionality
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The 8i6 can operate without a computer, allowing for standalone use which is advantageous for users needing flexibility in their setup.
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S/PDIF is digital and not compatible with TRS/XLR; use Line Outputs 1 & 2 for monitor connections instead.
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The Focusrite Control software allows digital switching and control, though setup videos may miss steps, requiring careful review.
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Comparisons
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Users note that Steinberg interfaces offer switchable rear line inputs between consumer and pro levels, a feature not present in the Scarlett 8i6 but desired by owners.
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Users dissatisfied with Focusrite's longevity and value have switched to Behringer interfaces, citing better durability and more inputs for half the price.
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Use cases and applications
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Owners using gear with consumer line levels (-10dBv) report low input volumes on the Scarlett 8i6, impacting devices like synthesizers and music production gear.
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Value and pricing
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Current sales on 3rd generation models suggest a possible update or expansion in the Focusrite lineup, influencing buyer decisions on future-proofing purchases.
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Software and compatibility
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The Scarlett 8i6 connects seamlessly via USB-C with Macs, often without needing additional drivers.
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Users report occasional bit-crushing audio issues with the Scarlett 8i6 on Windows 11, suggesting potential driver incompatibility compared to smoother performance on Windows 10 and macOS.
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Installing NVIDIA's studio drivers instead of game-ready drivers may alleviate audio glitches, indicating a potential conflict with certain graphics drivers.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 9 Ratings
222
Excellent first interface.
As a first interface this is great. I'm able to get a stereo recording as well as recording 2 other line level devices. I've tracked guitar, vocals, and keys with this before and works well. Over the years the power plug has gotten kinda worn and if not careful can easily not power up when plugged in because the connector is slightly bent but I blame myself for that. Drivers are slow compared to others, and I highly suggest using ASIO4ALL as a replacement to gain a few more ms of round time latency. But on my windows setup w/ ASIO4ALL , 48k 24-bit i'm getting around 6.7ms after driver error compensation, which is nice. Not the goal 5ms, but an additional 1.7ms is tolerable. Will hopefully upgrade to an 8 mic pre someday.
Artist usage
Add artist
A photo of Mat Zo's studio gear reveals he uses the Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 USB Audio Interface.
A photo of his entire studio setup shows Fehrplay's audio interface is the Focusrite Scarlett 8i6.
Mebitek, an electronic music and video producer known for crafting dark ambient cinematic atmospheres, features the Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 USB Audio Interface in his studio setup. This is showcased in a photo on his Instagram, where he shares insights into his creative space, blending elements of electronic underground and Sardinian nature into his compositions.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 USB Audio Interface, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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