4 Best Focusrite Audio Interfaces in 2024

Affordable and high-quality Focusrite audio interfaces.

top focusrite audio interface

Since the modern market is overflowing with offers, choosing the best Focusrite audio interface is not an easy task. You can find various interfaces for songwriters and hobbyists. However, to get a decent and suitable model, you should define your purpose and needs.

Top 4 Focusrite Audio Interfaces

  1. Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 - Multifunctional
  2. Focusrite Clarett 2Pre - Powerful
  3. Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre - Easy to use
  4. Focusrite Scarlett Solo - High quality

We've created an article on the best Focusrite audio interfaces. Read this review to make the right choice.

1. Focusrite Scarlett 18i8

Multifunctional
focusrite scarlett 18i8 focusrite audio interface

Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz

  • ✚ Multifunctional
  • ✚ Great sound quality
  • ✚ Very efficient in power consumption
  • ✚ Quiet
  • High price
Rating

This state of the art interface gives you a vast amount of functions and features that makes your recording and mixing experience a real breeze. The audio interface converter incorporated into this system not only allows for fast and accurate direct monitoring of your signal level but also has a built in compressor, which greatly reduces the level of unused signal that is output by your sound card.

A wealth of sound control options are available through this interface, including a tone control that allows you to easily change the tone of your instrument without having to do anything other than switching the input switch on your Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 external interface. Another great feature of this audio interface is its great sound quality. This new audio interface does not just offer high quality sound reproduction but is also very efficient in power consumption. The Focusrite interface has been designed to run extremely quiet making it perfect for recording and mixing on the go.

2. Focusrite Clarett 2Pre

Powerful
focusrite clarett 2pre focusrite audio interface

Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz

  • ✚ Powerful
  • ✚ High perfomance
  • ✚ Onboard equalizer and compressor
  • ✚ Quiet
  • Quality could be better
Rating

The Focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB audio interface challenges existing interfaces by offering twice the power. The Clarett USB collection features specially made high performance, low noise (0.08uSid) mic pre with an ultra-flat frequency response, low distortion and ultra flat reproduction that promise a crisp, clean and transparent tonal balance.

They are also equipped with onboard equalizer and compressor for superior audio handling capability, along with twelve channels of flexible input for all recording purposes, including four mono channels for mono or stereo mixes, two high-level mega keys and one pad of purely functional track control.

3. Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre

Easy to use
focusrite scarlett octopre focusrite audio interface

Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz

  • ✚ High sound quality
  • ✚ Easy to use
  • ✚ Eight natural-sounding Scarlett mic preamps
  • High price
Rating

The Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre USB audio interface is one of the most popular professional level interfaces around. Its easy to use controls and great sound quality make it a favorite among professional DJ's and music producers.

With its eight channels of input and six channels of output, the Scarlett can easily be used with all sorts of recording equipment including all types of computer-based instruments such as the Akai Focusrite Duo/Pro Duo and the iZotope LEX series.

4. Focusrite Scarlett Solo

High quality
focusrite scarlett solo focusrite audio interface

Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz

  • ✚ High perfomance
  • ✚ Includes pro tools
  • ✚ High quality
  • ✚ Professional level
  • Poor driver support for Windows 10
Rating

When it comes to recording the audio from your computer, you will find that a high quality Focusrite Scarlett Solo USB audio interface will help you to deliver the best results. With a Focusrite audio interface, you can record with maximum clarity and efficiency.

This is a high performance professional grade device designed to deliver professional sound and audio equipment. This audio interface is great for professional musicians and audio engineers that need high quality recording and mixing capabilities.

IMAGE NAME FEATURES
focusrite scarlett 18i8 focusrite audio interface
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8
Multifunctional
  • Multifunctional
  • Great sound quality
CHECK PRICE
focusrite clarett 2pre focusrite audio interface
Focusrite Clarett 2Pre
Powerful
  • Powerful
  • High perfomance
CHECK PRICE
focusrite scarlett octopre focusrite audio interface
Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre
Easy to use
  • High sound quality
  • Easy to use
CHECK PRICE

How to Choose the Focusrite Audio Interface?

how to choose the best focusrite audio interface

Number of Channels

If you're planning on home recording, you can choose either a two-channel or one-channel audio interface. Since you can record vocals and instruments at home separately and then mix them, single-channel devices work great. If you plan to record multiple sources at the same time, a 4+ channel audio interface is your choice.

Input Ports

As a rule, audio interfaces come with "combo" inputs. They are compatible with both XLR and 1/4” jacks. Thanks to such 2-in-1 ports, manufacturers use smaller form factors, which affects the cost of a device. Moreover, you can connect mics and instruments at the same time with ease. However, older models have traditional separate XLR and 1/4” ports. To make it easier for you to decide, we have described the types of devices and the number of inputs for each audio interface.

how to choose the best focusrite audio interface

Instrument Level and Line Level Inputs

When choosing the best Focusrite audio interfaces, make sure the devices can handle line (low impedance) and instrument (high impedance) level sources. Line-level sources are responsible for keyboards and electronic instruments. The instrument-level ports focus on guitars and basses without an active preamp. If an audio interface doesn’t support instrument level, you can connect the DI box directly to a device. When you're recording multiple instruments and microphones, you should use an audio interface that lets you switch the input between mic, instrument, and line levels.

Mic Preamps and Phantom Power

When choosing a decent audio interface, pay attention to the aspects described below:

1. Microphone Preamplifier Quality

When using microphones, preamplifiers affect the sound quality a lot. If you are recording at home, you should opt for transparent preamps. They accurately reproduce the incoming sound. You can find the relevant models in our list. However, some audio interfaces offer preamps that can subtly color the sound.

2. Phantom Power.

Sooner or later, you will need to use a condenser microphone while recording. Typically, these microphones require 11V - 48V phantom power to operate. Before purchasing Focusrite audio interfaces, make sure they include this option.

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